PHOSPHORIC ACID

Phosphoric acid (H3PO₄) is a versatile and widely used chemical compound. Here's a breakdown of its key properties and applications:

Applications (Phosphoric acid has a wide range of applications, here are some of the most prominent):

• Fertilizers (Dominant Use): Around 90% of phosphoric acid production goes towards making phosphate fertilizers. These fertilizers replenish phosphorus in soil, a crucial nutrient for plant growth.

• Food and Beverages:

  • Food additive (E338): Used as an acidity regulator in various foods and beverages like jams, processed meats, certain cheeses, and colas. It adds a tangy or sour flavor and can act as a preservative.
  • Soft drinks containing phosphoric acid are sometimes called phosphate sodas or phosphates.

• Other Applications:

  • Metal treatment: Used for rust removal and surface preparation in various metalworking applications.
  • Water treatment: Helps control scaling and corrosion in pipes by binding to metal ions.
  • Flame retardants: Some types of flame retardants contain phosphoric acid.
  • Cleaning products: May be found in some cleaning products due to its chelating properties and mild acidity.
  • Dental cements: Used in some dental cements for their adhesive properties.