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It is also known as orthophosphoric acid, and it is a weak acid that is a member of the weak acid family and belongs to the group of weak acids. H3PO4 is the chemical formula for this compound. Orthophosphoric acid is the name given by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) to phosphoric acid. For the purpose of distinguishing the acid from other phosphoric acids that are connected to it, the prefix ortho- is inserted (also called polyphosphoric acids).
Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) is a non-toxic acid that is solid at room temperature when it is pure. The most frequent kind is an orthophosphoric acid solution in water that contains 85 percent orthophosphoric acid. Environmentally friendly, odourless, and colourless solutions are found throughout nature. Despite the fact that phosphoric acid is a weak acid, its liquid form is nevertheless unpleasant. In this article, we will learn more about phosphoric acid.
Overview of Phosphoric Acid
Inorganic phosphoric acid (H3PO4), sometimes referred to as orthophosphoric acid, is the most significant oxygen acid of phosphorus. It is used to produce fertiliser phosphate salts, which are utilised in the production of fertilisers. It has a melting temperature of 42.35° C (108.2° F) as a crystalline solid; in less concentrated form, it has a melting point of 42.35° C (108.2° F) as a colourless syrupy liquid with a melting point of 42.35° C (108.2° F). In order to produce crude acid, phosphate rock is utilised, while white phosphorus is used in order to produce better quality acid.
Phosphoric acid may be classified into three kinds of salts depending on whether one, two, or three hydrogen atoms are substituted for the phosphoric acid molecule. Calcium dihydrogen phosphate or calcium superphosphate (Ca[H2PO4]2) is a major ingredient in fertilisers, and calcium monohydrogen phosphate (CaHPO4) is a calcium monohydrogen phosphate. Phosphate salts include sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH2PO4), which is used to control hydrogen ion concentration (acidity) in solutions; disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4), which
Preparation of Phosphoric Acid
It’s easy to make by dissolving P₂O₅ in water and then boiling the solution to make a thick syrup.
P₂O₅ + 3H₂O → 2H₂PO₄
When red phosphorus is heated with conc.HNO₃, orthophosphoric acid is formed.
P + HNO₃ → H₃PO₄ + H₂O + 5NO₂
It is made on a large scale by treating phosphorite rock with dilute H2SO4.
Ca₃(PO₄)₂ + 3H₂SO₄ → 3CaSO₄ + 2H₃PO₄
Industrially, phosphoric acid is made by reacting sulfuric acid with apatite in a wet process (tricalcium phosphate rock).
Ca₅(PO₄)₃Cl + 5H₂SO₄ + 10H₂O → 3H₃PO₄ + 5CaSO₄.2H₂O + HCl
Because the phosphoric acid solution is only 32-46 percent H₃PO₄, it must be concentrated (by evaporation of water) to obtain commercial grades of phosphoric acid with higher concentrations.
Formula of Phosphoric Acid
Its chemical formula is written as H₃PO₄ and its structure is a double bond connects the central phosphorus atom to an oxygen atom, and single bonds connect it to three hydroxyl (-OH) groups. As a result, H3PO4 has the ability to release up to three H+ ions.
Uses of Phosphoric Acid
It is a critical chemical having a broad range of uses in a number of industries, agriculture, and daily items. We’ll take a look at some of the most popular phosphoric acid uses in this section.
There are several food additives that include phosphoric acid. This acid is found in a variety of foods, including jams, cereal bars, processed meats, cheese, and other dairy products. It serves as an acidity regulator. When it comes to the beverage industry, phosphoric acid is used as an acidulant to keep pH levels balanced.
Phosphoric acid is a chemical compound that is utilised in the production of a broad variety of personal care products. A few examples are cleaning supplies, bath goods, perfumes, hair care items and colours, nail care items, cosmetics, and various skin care products, to name a few categories.
Almost the majority of the phosphoric acid generated is used to manufacture fertiliser, which is a waste product. As an additive and flavouring element in animal and poultry feed, phosphoric acid is also used in this application.
It is also used in the construction industry to remove mineral deposits, cement streaks, and hard water stains from concrete surfaces. The ability to create activated carbon compounds as a result of functioning as a chemical oxidizer is shown by this molecule.
Conclusion
So, we’ve covered a lot of ground in terms of phosphoric acid, including its preparation, structure, and applications. Finally, we can say that phosphoric acid (H3PO4), also known as orthophosphoric acid, is the most significant oxygen acid of phosphorus and that it is utilised to produce fertiliser phosphate salts (phosphate fertilisers). It is also used in the production of dental cements, the production of albumin derivatives, and the sugar and textile industries.
