Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate
Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate (NaH₂PO₄) is a white crystalline powder or granule, highly soluble in water. It is widely used as a buffering agent, emulsifier, and pH adjuster in various industrial, food, pharmaceutical, and laboratory applications. It acts as a source of phosphate ions and helps maintain the stability and consistency of formulations. This chemical is commonly utilized in food processing, water treatment, detergents, and as a reagent in chemical synthesis.
Uses
Primary Uses
- Food Industry
- Used as an acidity regulator and emulsifier in processed foods, cheeses, and bakery products.
- Acts as a leavening agent component in baking powders.
- Serves as a sequestrant and stabilizer to improve texture and shelf life.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Utilized as a buffering agent in intravenous saline solutions and oral rehydration salts.
- Ingredient in laxatives and phosphate supplements.
- Helps maintain pH in pharmaceutical formulations and tablet coatings.
- Water Treatment
- Employed to control pH and prevent scale formation in water systems.
- Used in wastewater treatment processes to remove heavy metals.
- Industrial Applications
- Functions as a dispersing agent and corrosion inhibitor in metal finishing and detergents.
- Acts as a buffering agent in textile and dyeing industries.
- Laboratory & Chemical Synthesis
- Used as a reagent and buffer in analytical chemistry and molecular biology protocols.
- Facilitates phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) preparation.
Secondary Uses (Less Common/Niche Applications)
- Agriculture
- Occasionally used in fertilizer formulations to supply phosphorus nutrients.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Employed in formulations as a pH adjuster and stabilizer in creams and lotions.
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium dihydrogen phosphate
- Common/Trade Name: Sodium Dihydrogen Phosphate, Monobasic Sodium Phosphate
- CAS Number: 7558-80-7
- HS Code: 2835.29
- Synonyms: Monosodium phosphate, Sodium phosphate monobasic
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (powder or granules)
- Color & Odor: White; odorless
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water
- Density: Approx. 2.35 g/cm³
- pH (1% aqueous solution): ~4.5
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Generally considered non-hazardous; mild irritant to eyes and skin
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; safe for use in food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade applications
- Exposure Limits: Follow standard occupational exposure limits; avoid dust inhalation
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from moisture and incompatible materials
- Container Type: Supplied in sealed plastic bags or drums
- Shelf Life: Stable under proper storage conditions for several years
- Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation of dust; use protective equipment to prevent eye and skin contact
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and stored in a dry environment
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with food-grade (FCC), pharmaceutical-grade (USP), and reagent-grade standards
- Approved by FDA, EFSA, and other international food and drug safety authorities
- Manufactured according to GMP guidelines
Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life in typical use concentrations
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Protective gloves, safety goggles, and dust mask recommended during handling
- Handling Guidelines: Avoid inhaling dust; ensure good ventilation
- Storage Measures: Store away from strong oxidizers and moisture
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical advice if respiratory irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention if large quantities are ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ as appropriate for surrounding fire
- Special Precautions: None specific to this chemical
- Hazardous Combustion Products: None known