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Phosphoric Acid can also be called Orthophosphoric Acid, Monophosphoric Acid, and Phosphoric (V) Acid. It is not considered a strong acid and the chemical formula is H3PO4. It has no color i.e., colorless. It is also of no smell i.e., odorless and has a density of about 1.6845 g.cm-3 and of solid is 1.834 g.cm-3.Â
Phosphoric Acid has a melting point of about 40 – 42.4 ℃ which is equal to 104.0 – 108.3 ℉ and has a boiling point of 212℃ which is 414℉. Phosphoric acid is referred to as a hazardous substance as it is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because this chemical is harmful and this is proven but still there are many uses of Phosphoric Acid.Â
Structure of Phosphoric Acid
The structure of Phosphoric Acid is that the Phosphorus Atom represented by P which lies in the middle gets attached to the oxygen Atom (O) with a double bond and also joins with 3 Hydroxyl which is represented by (-OH) with single bonds. The Structure of Phosphoric Acid is made in such a way that it can give up to the 3 H+ions. The structure looks like this:
Uses of Phosphoric Acid
The uses of Phosphoric Acid are not limited to only one field, this is used in many fields and some of the uses from various fields are given below:
Agriculture
Phosphoric acid is largely used in the agricultural sector for producing fertilizers but it is not directly used for making fertilizers, it is transformed into 3 types of phosphate salts which are used as material for fertilizers. It is also used for making supplements which are given to pigs, cattle, etc.Â
Food Additives
As they are acidic in nature and have an acidic taste, therefore, it is used as food additives. It is used in various foods like:
- Cold drinks
- Readymade or packaged foods
- Products relating to water treatment.Â
Manufacturing Process
Phosphoric Acids are used in manufacturing many things like:
- Wax and Polish
- CarbonÂ
- GelatinÂ
- Soil Stabilizer
Medical Application
It can also be used in the field of medicine. The uses of Phosphoric Acids in the field of medicine are:
- Helps in the process of urine acidification.Â
- Helps in removing dead cells debris.Â
- It can be used in the substance that whitens teeth.Â
- In dental cement
Personal Care
Uses of Phosphoric Acid in personal care are:
- It can be used in products that we use while bathing.
- It can be used in products that get applied to the nails.
- It can be used on the perfume or deodorant we use.Â
- It can be used in the substances that we apply to our hair.Â
Other Uses
- It can be used in batteries.
- It can be used for packaging food
- It can be used to manufacture clothes washing products.
- It can be used for producing the products that are used while taking care of automobiles.Â
Conclusion
As we know Phosphoric acid is very useful and is used in many fields but apart from being useful, it is very dangerous too. It can harm a person if it comes into contact with them. There are some guidelines that are given about the process of first aid if we come into contact with the acid. It should be kept in a cool place where ventilation is very good because moisture can be harmful to Phosphoric Acid. Because of being hazardous and harmful in nature, it is said that in most parts of the US use of Phosphoric Acids in a washing powder is completely banned.
