Phosphoric Acid

Also known as orthophosphoric acid, orthophosphoric, acid phosphate, phosphoric triacid, or phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid is a chemical compound with the formula H₃PO₄. It is a strong mineral acid obtained by processing phosphate rock or burning phosphorus. It is a triacid, which means it can release three hydrogen ions (H⁺) per molecule.

It is sold as an aqueous solution concentrated up to 80%.

It acts as an acidifying agent, is very effective in cleaning products, acts as a chemical agent in the chemical industry and is naturally present in many foods in the form of phosphoric acid salts, known as food phosphates.

Sodium bicarbonate is used in chemical products and wastewater treatment thanks to its neutralization by sodium bicarbonate, which produces an effervescent chemical reaction. Sodium bicarbonate acts as a base, neutralizing phosphoric acid, which is an acid. This reaction produces carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a gas, water (H₂O) and sodium phosphate (Na₃PO₄) as a soluble salt. Phosphoric acid is a triprotic acid. This means it can dissociate in water up to three times, releasing a proton into the water each time

Acid phosphate is one of the strong mineral acids, like sulfuric acid.

Orthophosphoric acid is naturally present in many foods, particularly those of animal origin. It is found in significant quantities in meat, dairy products, eggs, nuts, legumes and wholegrain cereals.

In these foods, phosphoric acid is bound to other elements, such as calcium and phosphorus, and is an integral part of cell structure. It plays an important role in various bodily processes, including energy production, healthy bones and teeth, and nerve function.

Although phosphoric acid is not a biological agent per se, as it is a chemical agent, it is essential to life and is present in all living organisms.

In the food industry, orthophosphoric acid is found in beverages, confectionery, bakery products, processed meat, sauces and processed dairy products.

It plays several important roles: It acts as an acidulant, giving a sour taste, and adjusts the ph.

It acts as a preservative thanks to its antimicrobial properties, and stabilizes the flavors and colors of foods. It is also a leavening agent, a clarifying agent and a chelating agent.

Phosphorus oxides and phosphoric acid are closely linked. Phosphorus oxides react with water to form phosphoric acid in aqueous solutions. This is a hydrolysis reaction. Phosphorus oxides are the precursors of phosphoric acid.

Phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) are closely related, like two sides of the same coin. They transform into each other in a chemical relationship. Phosphorus pentoxide is the anhydrous (water-free) form of phosphoric acid. This means it can be transformed into phosphoric acid simply by adding water. Phosphorus pentoxide is the anhydride of phosphoric acid. It therefore changes the form of its solutions.

Each has specific properties and important uses in various fields.

Phosphoric acid is a corrosive chemical and a hazardous product that can cause severe burns and eye damage if not handled with care.

In the workplace, strict safety measures are essential to protect workers' health with safety equipment and prevent accidents.

Carefully consult the SDS of the phosphoric acid you are using, to learn about its toxicological, physical and chemical properties, potential hazards and proper handling and storage instructions.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves to protect against its corrosive action, avoid exposure to vapors for your respiratory tract with a full face mask, wear eye protection: goggles or face shield, lab coat or protective clothing and safety shoes.

Choose a well-ventilated work area away from sources of ignition and incompatible products. Ensure the presence of an eyewash station and safety shower nearby, when handling this corrosive liquid which is a hazardous product. Regularly clean work areas and store chemicals properly to avoid breathing difficulties. Have suitable extinguishing agents available close to the work area.

All this equipment avoids any risk of direct contact with corrosive products, even for short-term use.

Provide adequate training to employees on the dangers of phosphoric acid, a corrosive product, safe handling procedures and emergency measures to be taken in the event of an accident involving a chemical product.

It's important to note that this mandatory protection may vary according to the quantity of product, the concentration and form of phosphoric acid used, the tasks performed, the duration of exposure to the substances and the conditions of use.

Regulations are imposed by :

• French Labor Code: Articles L4121-1 et seq., concerning the assessment of occupational risks and the implementation of protective measures.
• Decree n°2003-1246 of November 27, 2003: Relating to the protection of workers against chemical risks.
• Arrêté n°2009-889 du 25 juin 2009 : Modifiant l'arrêté du 11 février 2002 portant dispositions particulières relatives à la protection des travailleurs contre les risques chimiques.

Regular use of a customized OHS information bank enables employers, workers, prevention specialists and all those involved in occupational health to keep abreast of occupational hazards.

Consult safety data sheets.

Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) occupies a central position in a fascinating family of acids, sharing structural similarities and chemical properties while displaying unique individual characteristics.

Orthophosphoric is the most common and most important acid in the group. 

Metaphosphoric acid, also known as glacial phosphoric acid, is an isomer of phosphoric acid. It is distinguished by its metastable structure, meaning that it tends to spontaneously transform into orthophosphoric phosphoric acid under normal conditions.

Metaphosphoric acid is an anhydrous version of orthophosphoric acid and is sometimes used as an absorbent for water or moisture.

Polyphosphoric acid is a family of acids composed of chains of PO3 groups linked by P-O-P bonds. The number of PO3 groups in the chain determines the structure and specific properties of each polyphosphoric acid.

Superphosphoric acid is a solution of concentrated phosphoric acid in metaphosphoric acid. It has an extremely high acidity, making it useful in a variety of industrial applications.

Fluosulfuric acid, while sharing certain similarities with phosphoric acids in terms of acidic properties, is not strictly speaking a member of the phosphoric acid family. It is a fluorinated sulfuric acid, known for its high acidity and ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds.

Hydrofluoric acid, also known as hydrofluoric acid, is clearly distinguishable from the other acids mentioned.

Pyrophosphoric acid, is also known as diphosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid is a chemical compound with the formula H₄P₂O₇. It occurs as a colorless, odorless, hygroscopic crystalline solid, soluble in water, ethanol and diethyl ether.

Fluosilicic acid, also known as hexafluorosilicic acid, fluosilicic acid is a chemical compound with the formula H₂SiF₆. It appears as a colorless, fuming liquid, is one of the extremely corrosive aqueous solutions and is soluble in water.

Phosphoric acid and rubber, two apparently distinct materials, share a close and essential relationship in various industrial fields. Phosphoric acid plays an important role in the transformation of natural rubber latex into solid rubber.

Phosphoric acid is also an essential component in the production and mixing of synthetic rubbers, such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). It is also involved in the vulcanization of nitrile and butyl rubber. This handling is also always carried out with the respiratory and eye protection equipment that is part of the production equipment in this field.

It comes in various forms: as an aqueous acid solution, as salts or as iced acid: iced phosphoric acid.

Aqueous phosphoric acid solutions are colorless, viscous and corrosive liquids. Their density and viscosity increase with the concentration of phosphoric acid. This form of acid is used in the food and cleaning industries.

Frozen phosphoric acid is a colorless, hygroscopic, highly corrosive crystalline solid. This form of acid is used in the synthesis of organophosphorus compounds.

The properties of phosphoric acid salts vary according to the metal cation and the number of hydrogen ions present in the salt.

Always handle with care, using respiratory protection, eye protection, specialized protective equipment and protective clothing.

Choose Sebacom, and ensure production capacity in your plant without running out of phosphoric acid.

As a supplier of acidifiers, Sebacom respects delivery deadlines and has enough raw materials available if you increase your production capacity. To achieve this, Sebacom works with a limited number of long-standing, reliable carriers.

Its market knowledge, expertise, economic approach and responsiveness make Sebacom the partner of choice for marketing the materials concerned.