Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is an inorganic, highly alkaline compound commonly available as a white, granular or crystalline solid. It is widely used for its powerful cleaning, degreasing, buffering, and water-softening properties. TSP is a versatile compound with significant utility across food processing, detergents, industrial cleaning, water treatment, and construction industries. It also acts as a flux, pH adjuster, emulsifier, and sequestrant. Both technical and food grades are available depending on the application.
Primary Uses
Cleaning & Detergent Industry:
Acts as a heavy-duty degreaser and surface cleaner for walls, floors, and equipment prior to painting or coating.
Key component in industrial detergents and household cleaners for removing stubborn grease, mildew, and stains.
Softens hard water to enhance detergent performance.
Water Treatment:
Serves as a water softening agent by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions.
Used in boiler and cooling water systems to control scale buildup and corrosion.
Food Industry (Food Grade TSP):
Employed as an emulsifier and thickener in processed meats, cheeses, and seafood.
Functions as a pH buffer and sequestrant to stabilize food texture and extend shelf life.
Used to improve water retention and color in meat and poultry processing.
Construction & Paint Industry:
Used to clean and prepare surfaces before painting by removing grease and chalk residue.
Sometimes added to paint removers and strippers for enhanced effectiveness.
Secondary Uses
Textile Industry:
Used as a cleaning agent and water softener in fabric processing and dyeing.
Pulp & Paper Industry:
Acts as a pH buffer and dispersing agent during paper pulping and bleaching.
Photography & Film Processing:
Serves as a buffering agent and cleaner in photographic developers.
Ceramics & Enamels:
Acts as a flux in ceramic and enamel production to reduce melting temperatures.
Metal Treatment & Plating:
Used in metal cleaning and electroplating pre-treatment processes.
Agriculture:
Occasionally used as a phosphate source in fertilizers and animal feed supplements
Chemical Name (IUPAC): Trisodium phosphate
Common/Trade Name: Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)
CAS Number: 7601-54-9
HS Code: 2835.11.00
Synonyms: TSP, Sodium phosphate tribasic, Sodium orthophosphate
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: Solid (granules or powder)
Color & Odor: White; odorless
Melting Point: 1583 °C (decomposes)
Solubility: Highly soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol
pH (1% solution): ~12.0 (strongly alkaline)
Density: Approx. 2.5 g/cm³
Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification:
Hazard: Causes serious eye damage; may cause skin irritation
Signal Word: Danger
Toxicity: Moderate if ingested in large amounts; food grade is safe when used as directed
Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits; general dust precautions apply
Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place away from acids and moisture
Container Type: HDPE bags, fiber drums, or bulk containers
Shelf Life: 24 months under proper storage
Handling Precautions: Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing; use PPE to prevent exposure
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Complies with applicable food-grade (FCC) or technical-grade standards depending on usage
Meets REACH and TSCA inventory requirements
Manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for food and pharma grades
FDA-approved for specific food applications within regulated limits
Adheres to OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and GHS labeling
Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Inorganic compound – not biodegradable, but breaks down into non-toxic ions
Ecotoxicity: High phosphate levels may cause eutrophication in water bodies
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
PPE Required: Gloves, goggles, dust mask or respirator for powder handling
Handling Guidelines: Use local exhaust ventilation; avoid dust generation
Storage Measures: Keep containers sealed and dry
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for 15 minutes; seek immediate medical help
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention if symptoms occur
Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, or dry chemical
Hazardous Combustion Products: Sodium oxides, phosphorus oxides
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