Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate
[CAS# 16788-57-1]

Identification

• Classification: Inorganic chemical industry >> Inorganic salt >> Phosphides, metal phosphoric acid, metaphosphoric acid, hypophosphorous acid and pyrophosphate
• Name: Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate
• Synonyms: Dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate trihydrate; Potassium phosphate dibasic trihydrate
• Molecular Formula: K₂HPO₄^.3(H₂O)
• Molecular Weight: 228.22
• CAS Registry Number: 16788-57-1
• EC Number: 605-492-6
• SMILES: O.O.O.OP(=O)([O-])[O-].[K+].[K+]

Properties

• Water solubility: SOLUBLE

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Precautionary Statements: P261-P305+P351+P338

Discovory and Applicatios

Discovered in the 19th century, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate is a chemical compound formed from the combination of potassium hydroxide and phosphoric acid. Its crystalline structure, characterized by two potassium ions, one hydrogen phosphate ion, and three water molecules per unit, imparts unique properties that make it valuable in numerous applications.

One of the primary applications of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate is in the field of agriculture. As a source of both potassium and phosphorus, it serves as a key component of fertilizers, providing essential nutrients that promote plant growth and development. By supplying plants with the necessary elements for photosynthesis, root development, and fruit production, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate helps to enhance crop yields and improve agricultural productivity.

Moreover, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate finds uses in the production of food and beverages. As a food additive, it serves as a buffering agent, pH regulator, and nutrient enhancer in various processed foods and beverages. Its ability to stabilize pH levels and improve texture makes it valuable in the formulation of dairy products, baked goods, and meat products. Additionally, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate may act as a sequestrant, preventing the formation of undesirable compounds and extending the shelf life of food products.

In the realm of pharmaceuticals and healthcare, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate plays a crucial role in the formulation of medications and medical products. It is utilized as a buffering agent in oral and injectable medications, helping to maintain the pH of pharmaceutical solutions and ensure their stability and efficacy. Additionally, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate may be employed as an excipient in the production of tablets, capsules, and liquid formulations, aiding in drug delivery and bioavailability.

Furthermore, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate has applications in laboratory research and analytical chemistry. As a component of buffer solutions, it helps to maintain a constant pH environment during chemical reactions and biological assays. This property makes it invaluable in biochemical and molecular biology research, where precise pH control is essential for accurate experimental results. Additionally, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate may be used in chromatography and electrophoresis techniques, where it serves as a mobile phase or electrolyte buffer for separating and analyzing biomolecules.

In addition to its role in agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and research, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate has potential applications in industrial processes and water treatment. It may be utilized as a corrosion inhibitor, scale inhibitor, or pH adjuster in various industrial applications, including metal plating, cooling water treatment, and wastewater treatment. Its ability to control pH levels and inhibit scale formation helps to protect equipment and infrastructure from corrosion and fouling, thereby prolonging their lifespan and efficiency.

References

2024. Effect of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate on the synthesis of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics, 35(18).
DOI: 10.1007/s11664-024-11442-w

2023. Advances in the use of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate in biochemical applications. BMC Research Notes, 16(1).
DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06406-y

2006. Preparation and characterization of bioactive glass ceramics using dipotassium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 17(11).
DOI: 10.1007/s10856-006-0541-8