Sodium hexametaphosphate
General Product Information
| Article | Sodium hexametaphosphate |
| Synonyms | E452(i), Glassy sodium, Graham’s salt, Hexasodium salt, Hexasodium metaphosphate, Metaphosphoric acid, Sodium cyclo-hexaphosphate, SHMP |
| CAS No. | 10124-56-8 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 233-343-1 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 28353900 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is an inorganic polyphosphate consisting of a linear or cyclic chain of sodium phosphate units.
It is commercially offered as a white, hygroscopic powder or granules, and is highly soluble in water.
Because of its excellent chelating, dispersing and stabilizing properties, SHMP is widely used in Food Industry, Water Treatment, detergents, ceramics and Technical Applications.
Characteristics
- Odor: –
- Hygroscopic: Yes.
- Color: White.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol.
- Taste: –
- Shape: Crystalline powder or granules.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | (NaPO3)6 |
| Molar Weight | Approx. 611.77 g/mol |
| Melting Point | Approx. 628 °C (decomposes at heating) |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | – |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | 6.0 – 8.0 (on 1% solution) |
Interessing Links
- Codex Alimentarius (FAO/WHO) – Guidelines and standards for food additives and ingredients.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- European Food Information Council (EFIC)
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Information on the safety and uses of food additives and ingredients.
- Wikipedia – Sodium hexametaphosphate
Applications
Sodium hexametaphosphate is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
SHMP is applied as food additive E452(i). It acts as a stabilizer, emulsifier and texture enhancer in meat products, seafood, cheese, powdered milk and beverages. It increases water binding capacity and extends the shelf life of foods.
2. Ceramics & Glass Industry
Used for stabilizing and dispersing sludges and glazes in production processes.
3. Water Treatment
In drinking water and industrial water management, SHMP is used to prevent scaling and corrosion, and as a stabilizer of metal ions.
4. Paper Industry
Improves bleaching processes and helps at stabilizing slurries.
5. Oil & Gas Industry
Used in drilling fluids to stabilize suspensions and prevent clogging.
6. Cleaning Agents
Sodium hexametaphosphate