Chemistry Essentials: Phosphoric Acid and Its Applications

by Yuvi K - December 17, 2023

Introduction to Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid (H3PO4), also known as orthophosphoric acid or phosphoric acid, is a weak acid with three protons. It is an essential chemical used in a range of industrial and commercial processes, from food production to agriculture, some estimates indicate that up to one-fifth of all phosphoric acid produced is used in the manufacture of fertilizers.

Phosphoric acid is a colorless or slightly yellowish liquid that has a sour, acidic taste. It is odorless and nonflammable. Phosphoric acid is normally available as a 85-percent concentration in water. It is also found in nature in several mineral deposits.

Chemical Properties and Structure of Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid is an inorganic compound made up of three atoms of phosphorus (फॉस्फोरस) and four atoms of oxygen (ऑक्सीजन). Phosphorus is a non-metal and oxygen is a chalcogen, meaning it belongs to a group of nonmetals that are associated with sulfur.

At room temperature, phosphoric acid is a liquid with a slightly higher acidity than acetic acid. Phosphoric acid is also a triprotic acid, meaning it has three dissociable hydrogen (हाइड्रोजन) atoms, each of which can be lost when the acid is in an aqueous (जलीय) solution.

Applications of Phosphoric Acid

Food and Beverages

Phosphoric acid is widely used in the food and beverage industry for a variety of reasons. It is used as an acidulant (अम्लीकरक) to add a sour or tangy taste to food and drinks, and to help preserve their flavor and freshness. Furthermore, phosphoric acid is used to adjust the pH levels (पीएच स्तर) of beverages like soda, beer, and juice, and as a flavor enhancer in cups of instant noodles.

Chemistry and Metalworking

Phosphoric acid has important uses in the chemical and metalworking industries. Some of these applications include the manufacture of fertilizers and flame retardants; as a rust inhibitor; in water treatment; and in metal finishing and metal fabrication.

In metal working, phosphoric acid is used to remove rust and other contaminants. It is also used to passivate (निष्क्रिय करना) metals, which involves coating the metal with an acid, and then sealing it so that the metal is less susceptible to corrosion.

Personal Care

Phosphoric acid has many applications in cosmetics and personal care products. It is used to adjust the pH of skin care products, as a preservative, and as a whitener in products such as toothpastes.

Conclusion

Phosphoric acid is an essential chemical used in many different industries. It has a variety of applications in food and beverage production, metalworking, and personal care. Phosphoric acid is a triprotic acid, meaning it releases three protons when in an aqueous solution.