Diammonium phosphate
General Product Information
| Article | Diammonium phosphate |
| Synonyms | Diammonium hydrogen phosphate, Ammonium hydrogen phosphate, Ammonium monohydrogen phosphate, Ammonium phosphate dibasic |
| CAS No. | 7783-28-0 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 231-987-8 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 31053000 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is an inorganic salt widely used worldwide, particularly in agriculture and industry. The product is formed by the reaction of phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) with ammonia (NH₃), resulting in a white crystalline powder with excellent solubility in water. Thanks to the presence of nitrogen (Approx. 18%) and phosphate (Approx. 46% P₂O₅), DAP is an efficient fertilizer that provides essential nutrients to plants.
DAP is known for its multifunctionality: it is not only an effective fertilizer, but is also used as a fire retardant, yeast nutrient and water treatment agent.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Hygroscopic: Yes.
- Color: White.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water.
- Taste: –
- Shape: Crystalline powder or granules.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | (NH4)2HPO4 |
| Molar Weight | 132.06 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 155 °C (decomposes at heating) |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | Approx. 1.619 g/cm³. |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | Approx. 7.8-8.2 (on 1% solution) |
Applications
Diammonium phosphate is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
As a food source for yeast in wine and beer production.
2. Industry
As a fire retardant in wood and paper treatment. As a buffer or pH regulator in industrial processes. In cleaning agents and detergents.
3. Water Treatment
Promotes microbial growth in biological treatment plants and prevents corrosion.
4. Agriculture
DAP is one of the most widely used fertilizers in the world. It provides nitrogen and phosphorus, essential for root development and early plant growth. Applied at cereals, vegetables and fruit crops, among others.
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 – Dibasic Ammonium Phosphate – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Diammonium phosphate