Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate (Na₂HPO₄)
Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate, also known as sodium phosphate dibasic, is an inorganic salt widely used as a buffering agent, emulsifier, and food additive. It appears as a white, odorless crystalline powder or granules that are highly soluble in water and alkaline in nature. It plays a crucial role in maintaining pH balance, stabilizing formulations, and supplying essential sodium and phosphate ions in various industries including food, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and agriculture.
Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate (Na₂HPO₄) Uses
Primary Uses
- Food & Beverage Industry
- Acts as a buffering and pH control agent in processed foods, dairy products (like cheese and powdered milk), and beverages.
- Used as an emulsifier and sequestrant to improve texture, moisture retention, and shelf life.
- Serves as a leavening agent component in baking powders.
- Employed as a stabilizer in meat and seafood products to improve water retention and reduce spoilage.
- Added to nutritional supplements as a source of phosphate and sodium.
- Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
- Used as a buffering agent in intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solutions, and pharmaceutical formulations to maintain pH stability.
- Functions as an excipient in tablets and capsules to control release rates.
- Utilized in parenteral nutrition solutions to supply electrolytes.
- Water Treatment
- Used to control pH and prevent scale formation and corrosion in industrial water treatment and boiler systems.
- Acts as a dispersing agent to keep suspended solids evenly distributed in water.
- Agriculture & Fertilizers
- Supplies phosphorus and sodium in fertilizer blends for soil amendment.
- Used in hydroponic nutrient solutions for plant growth enhancement.
- Industrial Applications
- Used in detergents and cleaning agents as a builder and pH stabilizer.
- Employed in ceramics, textile, and paper industries as a buffering and dispersing agent.
Secondary Uses
- Laboratory Reagent
- Commonly used in buffer preparations for biochemical and molecular biology research.
- Helps maintain consistent pH in enzyme reactions and protein purification processes.
- Cosmetics
- Used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in creams, lotions, and personal care products.
- Animal Feed
Included in feed supplements to provide phosphate and sodium for metabolic processes.
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Disodium hydrogen phosphate
- Common/Trade Name: Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate Dibasic
- CAS Number: 7558-79-4
- HS Code: 2835.25.00
- Molecular Formula: Na₂HPO₄·xH₂O (anhydrous or hydrated forms)
- Synonyms:
- Disodium phosphate
- Sodium phosphate dibasic
- Sodium hydrogen phosphate
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White crystalline powder or granules
- Odor: Odorless
- Melting Point: Decomposes before melting (~100–200°C, depending on hydration)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol
- pH (1% aqueous solution): Approximately 9.0–10.5 (alkaline)
- Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions; hygroscopic
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for food use
- Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits established
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place; protect from moisture
- Container Type: Paper bags with polyethylene lining, plastic drums
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust inhalation; use PPE to prevent eye and skin contact
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Approved as food additive and pharmaceutical excipient worldwide
- Listed in USP, EP, FCC (Food Chemicals Codex)
- Compliant with REACH and other chemical regulations
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental toxicity
- Persistence: Biodegradable and non-persistent
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified
Safety Handling Precautions
PPE Required:
- Dust mask or respirator (for dust exposure)
- Safety goggles
- Gloves (nitrile or latex)
- Protective lab coat or apron
Handling Guidelines:
- Handle in well-ventilated areas
- Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin or eyes
- Employ dust suppression methods during bulk transfer
Storage Measures:
- Keep container tightly sealed to avoid moisture absorption
- Store away from incompatible materials such as strong acids
- Avoid exposure to high humidity
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands after handling
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
- Maintain a clean work environment to prevent contamination
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation or discomfort occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; generally low toxicity but seek medical advice if large amounts ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable and non-combustible
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ to extinguish surrounding fire
- Special Precautions: Use standard firefighting protective equipment
Decomposition Products: May form sodium oxides and phosphorus oxides at very high temperatures