Calcium Tri Phosphate

Calcium triphosphate, commonly known as tricalcium phosphate (TCP, Ca₃(PO₄)₂), is a white, odorless, tasteless calcium salt of phosphoric acid used as a food additive, nutritional supplement, and biomaterial.​

Composition and forms

It exists primarily as β-tricalcium phosphate (stable at room temperature, rhombohedral structure) or high-temperature polymorphs α- and α'-TCP; commercial samples are often hydroxyapatite (Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH) or biphasic mixtures, with low solubility in water (≤20 mg/L).​

Properties

TCP has a high melting point (~1670°C), density of 3.14 g/cm³, and is insoluble in water but soluble in acids; it provides bioavailable calcium and phosphorus, with density varying by polymorph (β: 3.07 g/cm³).​

Main uses

As E341(iii), it serves as an anticaking agent, calcium fortifier in foods (baked goods, beverages), animal feed supplement, and in dentistry/pharmaceuticals for bone grafts and tablets due to its biocompatibility and resorbability.​