Tripotassium Phosphate

Tripotassium Phosphate is a strong chemical compound as well as a mineral compound and the main use of this is in food industries as food additives, foaming agents, emulsifiers, acidity control, and etc. This substance can be found in dry and aqueous form with a number of different molecules of water.

This salt is less used as fertilizer compared to the other two potassium phosphate salts, monopotassium phosphate, and dipotassium phosphate.

Physical and chemical properties:

Anhydrous tripotassium phosphate (TKP) is a solid white powder with the chemical formula K3PO4, which is water-soluble. It is a highly miscible salt that is used as an additive and source of potassium in fruit juice. Increasing the pH also makes the product color creamier or yellower and has a richer appearance.

Chemical formula	K3PO4
Molecular Weight(g/mol)	212.27
Appearance	White deliquescent powder
odor	odorless
Density (g/cm3)	2.564
Melting point (° C)	1,380 (2,520 °F; 1,650 K)
Water Solubility (g/100 mL at 20° C)	90
Solubility	Insoluble in ethanol
color	Colorless or white
form	crystals or granules
PH (1 % solution)	Between 11,5 and 12,3
Chemical Structure Depiction

Tripotassium Phosphate synthesis process:

This material can be produced by the reaction of ammonium phosphate ((NH4)3PO4) with potassium chloride (KCl):

(NH4)3PO4 + 3KCl → K3PO4 + 3NH4Cl

Applications and uses of Tripotassium Phosphate:

• Potassium phosphate helps to stabilize, increase volume, control pH and maintain moisture in food. It also prevents the removal of fat from food, which will preserve the texture and appearance of food.
• Phosphates are used as antimicrobial agents and inhibit the growth of microorganisms. In particular, potassium phosphate has more antimicrobial properties than other phosphates.
• Phosphorus in some of its shapes is found in many multivitamin and mineral supplements.
• Usage of this phosphate as a medicine: This substance can prevent calcium deposition in the kidneys.

Tripotassium Phosphate as a Food Additive:

Tripotassium Phosphate like trisodium citrate helps stabilize, thicken and regulate the acidity and moisture in foods. It’s often used in large amounts in soft drinks, canned fish, processed meats, sausages, ham, and baked goods. Canned and dried vegetables, chewing gum, chocolate products, condensed milk, puddings, breakfast cereals, candies, crackers, alcoholic beverages, pasta, fruit juices, dairy products, salt substitutes, and other seasonings, soups, and tofu can also contain tripotassium phosphate. Overall, any kind of processed foods, including fast foods, may contain added phosphates such as tripotassium phosphates.

Use of Tripotassium Phosphate in Medical:

It is sometimes used as a medicine. It can have a diuretic effect and act as a laxative when used in medicinal amounts. However, phosphorus can interact with some medications, including corticosteroids and potassium-sparing diuretics, increasing the risk for adverse effects; only use it when advised to do so by a doctor.

Tri-potassium phosphate is also used to prevent hypophosphatemia (a decrease in blood phosphorus).

Tripotassium Phosphate as a Supplement:

Separate tripotassium phosphate supplements are typically only used for treating low phosphate levels, such as those that occur in certain hereditary disorders. These supplements should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. Most adults shouldn’t consume more than the tolerable upper intake level of 4,000 milligrams of phosphorus per day, which includes phosphorus from other supplements and foods.

So check with your doctor to ensure a safe intake.

Safety information:

The food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed this type of phosphate in the category of safe food additives. However, this chemical can cause problems for the kidneys and other organs in some cases.

Getting too much phosphorus could increase the risk for heart disease, even in people with normal kidney function, increase the risk of mortality from any cause.

Packing and storage:

Store in cool, dry, and ventilated area away from heat sources and protected from sunlight in a tightly closed original container.