Dipotassium Hydrogen Phosphate (K₂HPO₄)

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Dipotassium Hydrogen Phosphate (also known as dipotassium phosphate, DKP) is an inorganic salt used widely as a buffering agent, emulsifier, and nutritional supplement in various industries. It is a white, crystalline, highly water-soluble powder with alkaline properties. DKP plays a vital role in food processing, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and agriculture due to its ability to stabilize pH, improve texture, and supply essential potassium and phosphate ions.

Description

Dipotassium Hydrogen Phosphate (K₂HPO₄) Uses

Primary Uses 
  1. Food & Beverage Industry

  • Functions as a buffering agent to control acidity and alkalinity in processed foods and beverages.

  • Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in dairy products like cheese and cream to improve texture and prevent separation.

  • Acts as a sequestrant to bind metal ions, thereby enhancing shelf life and flavor stability.

  • Used in meat processing as a humectant and water-binding agent to maintain moisture.

  • Added to nutritional supplements and infant formulas as a source of potassium and phosphate.

  1. Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare

  • Utilized as a buffering agent in intravenous (IV) fluids and oral rehydration salts to maintain pH stability.

  • Serves as an excipient in tablet and capsule formulations for controlled-release mechanisms.

  • Used in parenteral nutrition formulations to supply essential electrolytes.

  1. Agriculture & Fertilizers

  • Applied as a potassium and phosphorus fertilizer component to improve soil fertility and promote plant growth.

  • Used in hydroponics nutrient solutions as an essential source of potassium and phosphate ions.

  1. Water Treatment

  • Acts as a corrosion inhibitor and pH regulator in boiler water treatment and cooling systems.

  • Helps prevent scale formation and corrosion in industrial water systems.

  1. Industrial Applications

  • Used in detergents and cleaning products as a builder and pH regulator.

  • Employed in ceramics and textile industries as a buffering agent during processing.

 

Secondary Uses 
  1. Laboratory Reagent

  • Used as a standard buffer component in biochemical and molecular biology experiments.

  • Helps maintain stable pH in enzyme assays and protein purification processes.

  1. Cosmetics

  • Included in personal care formulations as a pH adjuster and emulsifier in creams and lotions.

  1. Animal Feed

Added to animal feed supplements to provide essential minerals and improve nutritional value.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES
  1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate

  • Common/Trade Name: Dipotassium Phosphate, DKP

  • CAS Number: 7758-11-4

  • HS Code: 2835.39.00

  • Molecular Formula: K₂HPO₄

  • Synonyms:

    • Dipotassium phosphate

    • Dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate

    • Potassium phosphate dibasic

  1. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: White crystalline powder or granules

  • Odor: Odorless

  • Melting Point: Decomposes before melting at ~253°C

  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol and ether

  • pH (1% solution): Approximately 9–10 (alkaline)

  • Stability: Stable under normal storage; hygroscopic

  1. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous

  • Toxicity: Low toxicity; generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use

  • Exposure Limits: No specific occupational limits established

  1. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption

  • Container Type: Paper bags with polyethylene lining, or plastic drums

  • Shelf Life: 2–3 years if stored properly

  • Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation; use dust extraction when handling bulk powder

  1. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • Approved for use as a food additive and pharmaceutical excipient globally

  • Listed in USP, EP, and FCC (Food Chemicals Codex)

  • Compliant with REACH and other international chemical regulations

  1. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity: Low environmental toxicity

  • Persistence: Biodegradable and non-persistent

  • Bioaccumulation: Not expected

Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required:

  • Dust mask or respirator (if dust levels are high)

  • Safety goggles

  • Gloves (nitrile or latex)

  • Lab coat or protective clothing

Handling Guidelines:

  • Handle in well-ventilated areas to avoid dust inhalation

  • Avoid contact with eyes and skin

  • Use dust suppression methods during bulk transfer

Storage Measures:

  • Keep containers tightly sealed

  • Store away from moisture and incompatible substances such as strong acids

  • Avoid storage near strong oxidizers

Hygiene Practices:

  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling

  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke during handling

  • Use clean working environment to avoid contamination

 

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs

  • Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops

  • Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists

  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; generally low toxicity but seek medical advice if large quantities ingested

 

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-flammable and non-combustible

  • Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ to extinguish fires in surrounding materials

  • Special Precautions: None specific; use standard firefighting procedures

  • Decomposition Products: May produce potassium oxides and phosphorus oxides under extreme heat