Phosphoric acid is also known as phosphoric (V) acid or orthophosphoric acid. It is an inorganic acid. The acid is chemically represented as H3PO4. These molecules can be combined in a variety of ways to produce different compounds. Derivatives of this inorganic acid are also known as phosphoric acid.
Pure anhydrous orthophosphoric acid is a white solid at room temperature. The chemical has a melting point of 42.35 degrees Celsius. It melts to form a colorless and viscous liquid. The compound has a boiling point of 158 degree Celsius. Phosphoric acid is a polar molecule. The compound is highly soluble in water. It has 5.48 g/mL solubility in water.
Phosphoric acid is mainly prepared in three different ways, the wet process, the thermal process and the dry kiln process. In the thermal process orthophosphoric acid is prepared by burning elemental phosphorous. This process produces very pure phosphoric acid. In the wet process orthophosphoric acid is produced by combining tricalcium phosphate rock and sulfuric acid.
Phosphoric acid has several applications, including:
Food Additive: The compound is used as a flavoring agent in a variety of food items, such as beer, jams, cheeses and jellies. The chemical imparts a tart and acidic flavor to the food items. This chemical is also used as a food additive. The food additive code of orthophosphoric acid in Europe is E338. It is added to cola soft drinks in order to impart a slightly sour and tangy taste. This chemical is mass-produced. The inexpensive acid is available in large quantities. It is second most common food additive after Citric acid, which is used to produce the same flavor.
Rust Converter: Phosphoric acid is also used as rust converter, rust killer or rust remover. It is widely used in steel industry. Rust remover is available in gel as well as liquid form. It can be applied to rusted iron and steel tools. The gel can be also applied to vertical as well as sloping surfaces. This compound converts Fe2O3 or reddish-brown iron (III) oxide (rust) into black colored ferric phosphate or FePO4. After treating with the acid, the black colored ferric phosphate coating can be removed from the metal surface. Scrubbing off the layer of ferric phosphate leaves behind a fresh metal surface.
Medical Use: Phosphoric acid is widely used as an etching solution in the field of dentistry and orthodontics. It is used to roughen and clean the teeth surfaces where dental fillings or instruments will be placed. The acid is also present in anti-nausea medicines. The acid is also an ingredient in teeth whiteners, which are used to remove plaque from teeth.
Emma Heuton is a writer who writes on several topics. Mostly she writes on SME, Business, products and manufacturing units. To provide useful insights, she prefers to study comprehensively.
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