Di Potassium Hydrogen Phosphate

Di Potassium Hydrogen Phosphate (chemical formula K2HPO4) is an inorganic salt that appears as a white, odorless crystalline powder or granules. It is highly soluble in water, forming mildly alkaline solutions with a typical pH range between 8.7 and 9.4 in a 1% aqueous solution. It serves as a buffering agent, pH regulator, and source of potassium and phosphorus across various industries.

Key chemical and physical properties:

Molecular formula: K2HPO4

Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules

Solubility: Highly soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol

pH (1% solution): About 8.7 to 9.4

Stability: Non-volatile, stable under normal conditions but hygroscopic

Primary applications:

Food industry: Used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, texturizer, and pH buffer in processed foods, dairy products, beverages, and baked goods to maintain texture, taste, and shelf life.

Pharmaceuticals: Used as an excipient, pH buffer, electrolyte in IV solutions, oral rehydration salts, dietary supplements, and drug formulations.

Agriculture: An important component of fertilizers supplying potassium and phosphorus nutrients.

Water treatment: pH buffering and corrosion inhibition in municipal water, industrial water systems, and wastewater treatment.

Chemical industry: Buffering agent in chemical analysis, preparation of potassium pyrophosphate, and as a fermentation medium component.

Safety and storage:

Handle with proper PPE due to potential irritant properties.

Store in a tightly closed container, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.

Overall, Di Potassium Hydrogen Phosphate is valued for its excellent buffering capacity, nutrient content, and chemical stability, making it a versatile additive and reagent in food, pharmaceutical, agriculture, water treatment, and chemical industries.