Monocalcium phosphate
General Product Information
| Article | Monocalcium phosphate |
| Synonyms | E341(i), Calcium bis(dihydrogen phosphate), Acid calcium phosphate, Calcium acid phosphate, Calcium diorthophosphate, Calcium biphosphate, Calcium superphosphate, Monobasic calcium phosphate, Monocalcium orthophosphate |
| CAS No. | 7758-23-8 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 231-837-1 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 283526 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Monocalcium phosphate is a white, crystalline powder or granule that is highly soluble in water. It is commonly used in the animal feed industry, Food Industry and Agriculture. It is an important source of both calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for animal health and crop growth. Monocalcium phosphate can also be used in the Pharmaceutical Industry as a supplement to some drugs, depending on the formulation.
Characteristics
- Odor: –
- Hygroscopic: –
- Color: White.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water.
- Flavor: Slightly sour taste.
- Shape: crystalline powder or granule.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | Ca(H2PO4)2-H2O |
| Molar Weight | 252.07 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 109°C (loses crystal water at heating) |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | 2.22 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | Approx. 4.5 (at 10% solution) |
Applications
Monocalcium phosphate is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
Monocalcium phosphate is used (as food additive E341(i)) as an acidity regulator and raising agent in baking products. It helps regulate acidity and plays a role in the baking process, especially in the production of baking powder and other baked products.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
Monocalcium phosphate is in some cases added to pharmaceutical formulations as a source of minerals.
3. Animal Feed Industry
It is widely used in animal feeds for livestock, poultry and aquaculture. Monocalcium phosphate provides animals with a highly absorbable form of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone health and animal growth.
4. Agriculture
It is used as a fertilizer to increase phosphorus and calcium levels in the soil. This helps at crop growth and increases the yield of agricultural products.
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 – Calcium bis(dihydrogen phosphate) – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Monocalcium phosphate