Trisodium phosphate (Na3PO4) is a compound made of sodium and phosphate ions. It has various uses in industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and detergents, for its ability to control acidity and act as a buffer.
| IUPAC Name | Trisodium phosphate |
| Molecular Formula | Na3PO4 |
| CAS Number | 7601-54-9 |
| Synonyms | sodium phosphate, TSP, Sodium orthophosphate, Tribasic sodium phosphate, Sodium tertiary phosphate, Trisodium orthophosphate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/3Na.H3O4P/c;;;1-5(2,3)4/h;;;(H3,1,2,3,4)/q3*+1;/p-3 |
Trisodium Phosphate Properties
Trisodium phosphate Formula
The chemical formula for trisodium phosphate is Na3PO4. It consists of three sodium cations (Na+) and one phosphate anion (PO43-). The formula is important in determining the stoichiometry of chemical reactions and in calculating the amount of a substance in a given quantity.
Trisodium phosphate Molar Mass
The molar mass of Na3PO4 is 163.94 g/mol. It is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements, which are sodium, phosphorus, and oxygen. The molar mass is an important parameter that is used to determine the amount of a substance in a given quantity. It is also used to calculate the stoichiometry of chemical reactions.
Trisodium phosphate Boiling Point
The boiling point of Na3PO4 is 1,587 °C. It is the temperature at which the liquid state changes into the gaseous state. The boiling point of a substance is dependent on various factors, such as pressure, temperature, and intermolecular forces. The high boiling point of Na3PO4 is due to its ionic nature and strong intermolecular forces.
Trisodium phosphate Melting Point
The melting point of Na3PO4 is 1,340 °C. It is the temperature at which a solid substance changes into a liquid state. The melting point of a substance is dependent on various factors, such as pressure, temperature, and intermolecular forces. The high melting point of Na3PO4 is due to its ionic nature and strong intermolecular forces.
Trisodium phosphate Density g/ml
The density of Na3PO4 is 2.54 g/ml. Density is the measure of the mass of a substance per unit volume. It is an important physical property of a substance that is used to determine its mass or volume. The high density of Na3PO4 is due to its ionic nature and closely packed particles.
Trisodium phosphate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of Na3PO4 is 163.94 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. The molecular weight of Na3PO4 is important in determining the stoichiometry of chemical reactions and in calculating the amount of a substance in a given quantity.
Trisodium phosphate Structure
Na3PO4 has a crystalline structure with a hexagonal close-packed arrangement of atoms. The sodium cations are located in the interstices of the close-packed oxygen anions. The phosphate anion consists of one phosphorus atom and four oxygen atoms, arranged in a tetrahedral shape.
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Specific Gravity | 2.536 g/cm3 |
| Color | Colorless to white |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 163.94 g/mol |
| Density | 2.54 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 1,340 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1,587 °C |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | pKa1 = 2.15, pKa2 = 7.20, pKa3 = 12.35 |
| pH | pH of 0.1 M solution = 11.5 |
Trisodium Phosphate Safety and Hazards
Na3PO4 is generally considered safe for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and other applications. However, like any chemical, it may pose hazards if mishandled. Ingestion of large amounts of Na3PO4 may lead to gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Eye and skin contact with the substance may cause irritation and burns. It is important to handle Na3PO4 with care, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and follow all safety procedures when working with the substance. In case of accidental ingestion or exposure, seek medical attention immediately.
| Hazard Symbols | None |
| Safety Description | Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid skin and eye contact. Wear protective equipment. |
| UN IDs | Not applicable |
| HS Code | 28352200 |
| Hazard Class | Not classified as hazardous |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity. Ingestion of large amounts may cause gastrointestinal problems. May cause irritation and burns upon contact with skin and eyes. |
Trisodium Phosphate Synthesis Methods
There are several methods for synthesizing Na3PO4, including the reaction of sodium hydroxide with phosphoric acid, the reaction of sodium carbonate with phosphoric acid, and the reaction of sodium chloride with phosphoric acid in the presence of sodium carbonate.
One common method involves the reaction of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with phosphoric acid (H3PO4). This reaction produces Na3PO4 (Na3PO4) and water (H2O). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
3 NaOH + H3PO4 → Na3PO4 + 3 H2O
Another method involves the reaction of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) with phosphoric acid (H3PO4). This reaction produces Na3PO4 (Na3PO4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
Na2CO3 + 2 H3PO4 → 2 Na3PO4 + 3 CO2 + 3 H2O
A third method involves the reaction of sodium chloride (NaCl) with phosphoric acid (H3PO4) in the presence of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). This reaction produces Na3PO4 (Na3PO4), sodium chloride (NaCl), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
3 NaCl + H3PO4 + Na2CO3 → Na3PO4 + 3 NaCl + 3 CO2 + 3 H2O
Industries widely use these methods to produce Na3PO4 for various applications.
Trisodium Phosphate Uses
Na3PO4 has numerous uses in various industries due to its unique properties. Some common uses of Na3PO4 are:
- Food Industry: Used as a food additive to enhance texture, flavor, and shelf life of processed food products.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Used in the production of various pharmaceuticals, including laxatives, antacids, and electrolyte solutions.
- Water Treatment: Used in water treatment processes to control scale formation and prevent corrosion in water distribution systems.
- Detergent Industry: Used in the production of detergents to enhance their cleaning properties.
- Agriculture: Used as a fertilizer and soil conditioner in agriculture to provide essential nutrients to plants.
- Industrial Applications: Used in various industrial processes, including metal surface treatment, ceramic production, and as a flame retardant.
- Laboratory Applications: Used in various laboratory applications, including DNA and protein purification, buffer solutions, and as a pH regulator.
Questions:
Q: Is Na3PO4 soluble in water?
A: Yes, Na3PO4 is highly soluble in water.
Q: What is the molar concentration of sodium ions in a 0.350 M Na3PO4 solution?
A: In a 0.350 M Na3PO4 solution, the molar concentration of sodium ions is 1.05 M.
Q: Is Na3PO4 an acid or base?
A: Na3PO4 is a basic salt.
Q: What is the net ionic equation for the reaction between aqueous solutions of Na3PO4 and CuSO4?
A: The net ionic equation for the reaction between aqueous solutions of Na3PO4 and CuSO4 is: 2Na+(aq) + Cu2+(aq) + 2PO43-(aq) + SO42-(aq) → Cu3(PO4)2(s) + 2Na+(aq) + SO42-(aq).
Q: What volume of a 3.50 M Na3PO4 solution should you use to make 1.50 L of a 2.55 M Na3PO4 solution?
A: To make a 2.55 M Na3PO4 solution using a 3.50 M Na3PO4 solution, you would need to use 0.921 L of the 3.50 M solution.
Q: What is trisodium phosphate?
A: Trisodium phosphate is an inorganic salt of sodium and phosphate with the chemical formula Na3PO4.
Q: Is trisodium phosphate soluble?
A: Yes, trisodium phosphate is highly soluble in water.
Q: How could you tell whether a white powder you have is sodium bicarbonate or trisodium phosphate?
A: One way to differentiate between sodium bicarbonate and Na3PO4 is by conducting a simple pH test. Sodium bicarbonate is basic and will give a pH greater than 7, while Na3PO4 is neutral and will give a pH of 7.
Q: What is the formula for trisodium phosphate?
A: The formula for trisodium phosphate is Na3PO4.