Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate
General Product Information
| Article | Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate |
| Synonyms | E450(v), Potassium pyrophosphate, Tetrapotassium diphosphate |
| CAS No. | 7320-34-5 |
| EEG No. | – |
| EINECS No. | 230-785-7 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 28352400 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Tetrakalium pyrophosphate is the potassium salt of pyrophosphoric acid and belongs to the group of pyrophosphates. It is a white, crystalline powder that is excellently soluble in water and forms a slightly alkaline solution. This inorganic salt is valued for its effective chelating properties, where it can bind metal ions, and its ability to stabilize pH. These properties make it suitable for a variety of industrial applications.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Hygroscopic: Yes.
- Color: White.
- Grade: Food.
- Solubility: Soluble in water.
- Taste: –
- Shape: Crystalline powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | K4P2O7 |
| Molar Weight | 174.18 g/mol |
| Melting Point | Approx. 880 °C (decomposes). |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | – |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | Approx. 9-10 |
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 – Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
Applications
Tetrakalium pyrophosphate is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Food Industry
Tetrakalium pyrophosphate is used (as food additive E450(v)) as emulsifiers, stabilizers and raising agents in bakeries, meat products, dairy products and snacks.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry
Can serve as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations, in part because of its stabilizing properties.
3. Water Treatment
Used as a sequestering agent to bind metal ions and prevent scale formation in water pipes and industrial plants.
4. Textile Industry
For improving color fastness and removing metal ions during washing.
5. Metal Industry
At surface treatment, rust prevention and as a component in cleaning agents.