Tricalcium phosphate
General Product Information
| Article | Tricalcium phosphate |
| Synonyms | E341(iii), Calcium phosphate, Tribasic calcium phosphate, Tricalcium bis(phosphate) |
| CAS No. | 7758-87-4 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 231-840-8 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 283526 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Tricalcium phosphate is a white, odorless, fine inorganic powder composed of calcium and phosphate. It is a widely used industrial ingredient and additive because of its stability, functionality, and biocompatibility. It is widely used in Food Industry, Pharmaceutical, Agriculture, and Technical Applications.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Hygroscopic: No.
- Color: White.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Poorly soluble in water.
- Taste: –
- Shape: fine powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | Ca3(PO4)2 |
| Molar Weight | 310.18 g/mol |
| Melting Point | > 1.670 °C |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | Approx. 3.14 g/cm³. |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 (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.
- PubChem – Calcium Phosphate – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Tricalcium phosphate
Applications
Tricalcium phosphate is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
Applied as a food additive E341(iii) for calcium enrichment, as an anti-caking agent in powders, and as a stabilizer. It is used in milk powders, baking mixes, spices and supplements, among others.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
Used as a filler (excipient) in tablets and capsules because of its good compression properties.
3. Dentistry
Used in toothpaste and oral care products to support remineralization of tooth enamel.
4. Animal Nutrition
Added to animal feeds as a source of calcium and phosphorus for strong bone development at animals.
5. Technical Applications
In ceramic materials, biomaterials, glazes, fertilizers and as a raw material in coatings and surface treatments.