Common Industrial Uses and Products that Include Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid is a versatile chemical used in a variety of industrial applications. One of its most common uses is in the production of fertilizers, where it is used to create phosphate-based products that help plants grow. It is also used in the production of food additives, such as flavorings and preservatives. In addition, phosphoric acid is used in the production of detergents, water treatment chemicals, and metal finishing products.
How Phosphoric Acid is Produced
Phosphoric acid is typically produced by reacting phosphate rock with sulfuric acid. This process creates a mixture of phosphoric acid and calcium sulfate, which is then filtered to remove the calcium sulfate. The resulting phosphoric acid can be further processed to create a range of different products, depending on the intended application. For example, it can be used to create liquid fertilizers, or it can be reacted with other chemicals to produce food additives.
Discovery and Commercial Availability of Phosphoric Acid
Phosphoric acid was first discovered by the German chemist Johann Joachim Becher in the late 17th century. However, it was not until the 19th century that the chemical was produced on a commercial scale. The first large-scale production of phosphoric acid began in the United States in the early 1900s, when the Tennessee Valley Authority began producing the chemical for use in fertilizers. Today, phosphoric acid is produced in large quantities around the world, with major producers including China, the United States, and Morocco.
Conclusion
Phosphoric acid is a versatile chemical with a range of industrial applications. It is used in the production of fertilizers, food additives, detergents, water treatment chemicals, and metal finishing products. The chemical is typically produced by reacting phosphate rock with sulfuric acid, and it has been commercially available since the early 1900s. Despite its long history, phosphoric acid remains an important chemical in modern industry.
Introduction
Phosphoric Acid is a colorless, odorless, and highly acidic liquid that is commonly used in various industrial applications. It is a mineral acid that is composed of three hydrogen atoms, one phosphorus atom, and four oxygen atoms. Phosphoric Acid is widely used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, food, and beverages. It is also used in the manufacturing of metal coatings, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment chemicals.
Notable Technical Properties
Phosphoric Acid is a highly corrosive liquid that can cause severe burns when it comes into contact with the skin. It has a pH value of 1.5, which makes it one of the strongest acids in the world. Phosphoric Acid is soluble in water and alcohol, and it reacts with most metals to form metal phosphates. It is also a powerful dehydrating agent, which means that it can remove water molecules from other compounds.
Chemical Formula
The chemical formula for Phosphoric Acid is H3PO4. This means that it contains three hydrogen atoms, one phosphorus atom, and four oxygen atoms. The molecular weight of Phosphoric Acid is 98.0 g/mol.
Key Properties
The boiling point of Phosphoric Acid is 158 °C (316 °F), and its density is 1.88 g/cm³ at room temperature. Phosphoric Acid is a non-volatile liquid that does not evaporate easily. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it can absorb moisture from the air. Phosphoric Acid is a strong oxidizing agent that can react violently with reducing agents.
- Colorless and odorless liquid
- pH value of 1.5
- Soluble in water and alcohol
- Highly corrosive and can cause severe burns
- Boiling point of 158 °C (316 °F)
- Density of 1.88 g/cm³ at room temperature
- Non-volatile liquid that does not evaporate easily
- Hygroscopic and can absorb moisture from the air
- Strong oxidizing agent that can react violently with reducing agents
In conclusion, Phosphoric Acid is a highly