Potassium tripolyphosphate
General Product Information
| Article | Potassium tripolyphosphate |
| Synonyms | E451(ii), Potassium triphosphate, Potassium phosphate, Pentapotassium triphosphate, Pentapotassium tripolyphosphate |
| CAS No. | 13845-36-8 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 237-574-9 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 31056010 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Potassium tripolyphosphate is an inorganic phosphate salt. It is a white, crystalline powder that is Highly soluble in water and has an alkaline pH. It is widely used in the food industry as well as in industrial and technical applications. For the commercial market, the product is of particular interest because of its versatile functional properties, such as complexing ability, dispersing effect and pH buffering effect.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Hygroscopic: Yes.
- Color: White.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water.
- Taste: –
- Shape: Crystalline powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | K5P3O10 |
| Molar Weight | 448.42 g/mol |
| Melting Point | Approx. 620 °C. |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | – |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH. | Approx. 9.5 (on 1% solution). |
Applications
Potassium tripolyphosphate is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
Potassium tripolyphosphate (as food additive E451(ii)) is used in the food industry as a stabilizer, chelating agent, water binder and emulsifier. It can improve the texture of meat and fish products by retaining moisture, which promotes weight and juiciness. It is also used in dairy products, processed cheese, sauces and instant noodles. It is sometimes used as an alternative to sodium phosphates, especially in low-sodium diets.
2. Industrial Applications
In Technical Applications, potassium tripolyphosphate is used in detergents and cleaners as a water softener and dispersant. In Metalworking, it acts as a corrosion inhibitor. Furthermore, it is used in ceramics, Water Treatment, latex paints and in the oil industry as a drilling admixture.
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.
- PubChem – Pentapotassium Triphosphate – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).