Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP)
Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP) is an inorganic compound commonly used as a dietary supplement, food additive, and a key raw material in pharmaceuticals and animal nutrition. It appears as a white crystalline powder or granules and provides a highly bioavailable source of calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for bone health, metabolic functions, and overall growth. DCP is widely used in the feed industry, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food processing, and various industrial applications, appreciated for its purity, stability, and nutritional value.
Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP) Uses
Primary UsesÂ
- Animal Feed Industry
- Nutritional Supplement: DCP is extensively used as a calcium and phosphorus supplement in feed for poultry, cattle, swine, fish, and pets, promoting bone development, eggshell quality, and overall health.
- Growth Promoter: Enhances growth rates and feed efficiency by balancing mineral nutrition.
- Premixes & Feed Blends: Incorporated into premixes to ensure uniform mineral distribution in compound feeds.
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Tablet and Capsule Excipient: Used as a diluent and binder in tablet formulations due to its compressibility and inert nature.
- Calcium Supplement: Used in calcium supplement formulations for human consumption.
- Dental Products: Ingredient in toothpastes and dental powders for remineralization and abrasiveness.
- Food Industry
- Food Additive: Serves as a nutritional fortifier in processed foods, bakery products, and beverages to enhance calcium and phosphorus content.
- Leavening Agent Component: Used in baking powders and leavening agents.
- Nutritional Supplements: Incorporated in dietary supplements for bone and mineral health.
- Industrial Applications
- Ceramics and Fertilizers: Utilized in ceramic manufacturing and as a component in certain phosphate fertilizers.
- Cosmetics: Ingredient in formulations requiring calcium and phosphate ions.
Secondary UsesÂ
- Veterinary Medicine
- Used in veterinary supplements and treatments to correct mineral deficiencies in animals.
- Agriculture
- Occasionally applied as a phosphorus source in soil amendments.
- Laboratory Uses
- Used as a reagent and standard in analytical chemistry.
- Dental Materials
Added to dental cements and restorative materials for enhanced bioactivity.
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Calcium hydrogen phosphate
- Common/Trade Name: Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP)
- CAS Number: 7757-93-9
- HS Code: 2835.29.00
- Molecular Formula: CaHPO₄ · 2H₂O (dihydrate) or CaHPO₄ (anhydrous)
- Synonyms:
- Calcium monohydrogen phosphate
- Calcium phosphate dibasic
- DCP dihydrate / anhydrous forms
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White crystalline powder or granules
- Odor: Odorless
- Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water (~0.02 g/100 mL at 20°C)
- Melting Point: Decomposes before melting (above 1000°C)
- Density: Approx. 2.3 g/cm³
- pH (1% aqueous suspension): Slightly alkaline (~7–8)
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; non-hygroscopic
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- Toxicity: Non-toxic, safe for food and feed use
- Reactivity: Stable, incompatible with strong acids and bases in concentrated form
- Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture
- Container Type: Sealed bags or bulk containers
- Shelf Life: 2–3 years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Use dust masks and gloves to prevent irritation
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status: Approved food additive (E341), feed additive, and pharmaceutical excipient globally
- Transportation: Non-hazardous material
- Environmental Compliance: Environmentally benign
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Inorganic mineral; not biodegradable but environmentally safe in typical use
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact when used correctly
- Bioaccumulation: Not applicable
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as hazardous
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required:
- Dust mask or respirator when handling powders
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Handling Guidelines:
- Avoid dust generation
- Use in well-ventilated areas
- Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly sealed and dry
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical help if irritation persists
- Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water; seek advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation continues
- Ingestion: Generally safe; if large amounts ingested, consult medical personnel
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire
- Special Precautions: None specific to DCP
Decomposition Products: None under normal fire conditions