WHAT IS TRI-POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE

Tri-potassium Phosphate is an inorganic chemical compound that is water-soluble. Tri-potassium phosphate expands the fluidity of the intestinal contents by retention of water due to osmotic forces. It is a type of electrolyte used for some chemical reactions. It has bactericidal activity.  It exhibits catalytic property in trans esterification reactions. It is a colorless or white salt of potassium. It is an odorless hygroscopic compound. It has its other name as tribasic orthophosphate and hydrated forms available include the monohydrate and trihydrate.

It appears as a white deliquescent solid. It has a primitive orthorhombic crystalline structure. This phosphate compound is somewhat basic having a basicity (pKb) of 1.6 or moderately acidic based on its pka. It is not combustible/flammable dry powder. It is not soluble in alcohol. This salt in water solution reacts with galvanized iron and zinc and generates flammable hydrogen gas. It is regarded as hazardous for humans. It is stored in air-tight containers away from water and in a well-ventilated area to avoid the formation of caustic solutions. As it is a strong chemical thus on absorbing it, or even breathing in, poisoning occurs. Hence Tri-potassium Phosphate is ordinarily toxic and does not emit toxic fumes.

It has various uses.

• It is used in lysis buffer for the isolation of protein from Gram-positive bacteria
• It works as a reagent for scalable synthesis.
• It is an important component in plating and surface treating agents.
• It is used in anti-freezing as well as de-icing products.
• It serves as a furnishing and cleaning agent.
• It functions as an acidity regulator and stabilizer.
• It also works as a foaming agent and emulsifier.
• It is used as an antimicrobial and whipping agent.
• It functions as a dietary supplement and laxative.
• It is utilized for electrolyte replacement in various chemical reactions in the laboratory as well as industries.

Tri-potassium Phosphate has a heat capacity is around -258.15 to 26.8°C. When phosphoric acid is neutralized, Tri-potassium Phosphate is formed.