Dipotassium phosphate
General Product Information
| Article | Dipotassium phosphate |
| Synonyms | E340(ii), Potassium hydrogen phosphate, Potassium monohydrogen phosphate, Phosphoric acid dipotassium salt, Potassium phosphate dibasic |
| CAS No. | 7758-11-4 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 231-834-5 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 28352990 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Dipotassium phosphate is an inorganic salt widely used in Agriculture, Chemical Industry and other sectors. Composed of potassium, phosphorus and oxygen, it is of great importance as a fertilizer for Agriculture as it provides both potassium and phosphorus, two essential nutrients for plants. It is characterized by its high solubility in water and slightly alkaline pH. In agriculture, thick potassium phosphate is often used in liquid fertilizers and as a foliar feed for plants.
Characteristics
- Odor: –
- Hygroscopic: –
- Color: White.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water.
- Taste: –
- Shape: crystalline solid.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | K2HPO4 |
| Molar Weight | 174.18 g/mol |
| Melting Point | Approx. 1000 °C (the substance decomposes before melting). |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | Approx. 2.36 g/cm³. |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | 8.5 – 9.0 (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 – Dibasic Potassium Phosphate – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Dipotassium phosphate
Applications
Dipotassium phosphate is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
Dipotassium phosphate is used (as food additive E340(ii)) in the food industry, although in smaller quantities, as a source of potassium and phosphorus.
2. Water Treatment
Dipotassium phosphate is sometimes used in water treatment processes, especially in systems that require potassium or phosphorus.
3. Chemical Industry
It is used as a starting material for the production of other potassium and phosphorus compounds.
4. Horticulture
In addition to Agriculture, dikalium phosphate is also used in horticulture, where it provides improved flowering and fruit setting, especially at vegetables and fruit crops.
5. Agriculture
Dipotassium phosphate is a commonly used fertilizer in Agriculture because it promotes crop growth by providing potassium and phosphorus. These substances are essential for root, flower and fruit development, and they contribute to overall plant health. It is often applied in liquid fertilizers and through irrigation systems.