Orthophosphoric Acid 8 5 % T e c h

Orthophosphoric Acid 85% Tech refers to a technical-grade phosphoric acid solution that contains 85% phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) by weight, with the remaining 15% being water. This concentrated form of orthophosphoric acid is widely used in industrial and technical applications due to its high purity and strong acidity.

Chemical Properties:

• Chemical Formula: H₃PO₄
• Concentration: 85% by weight in water
• Molecular Weight: 98.00 g/mol
• Density: Approximately 1.685 g/cm³ (for the 85% solution)
• Melting Point: Around 21°C (70°F) for 85% solution
• Boiling Point: Decomposes at temperatures above 213°C (415°F)
• pH: Approximately 1.5 (for 1% solution)
• Solubility: Fully soluble in water, alcohols, and other polar solvents.

Physical Characteristics:

• Appearance: Colorless, odorless, viscous liquid.
• Acid Strength: It is a moderately strong acid and capable of donating three protons in a stepwise manner, making it triprotic.

Applications:

1. Fertilizers:
   • Phosphate Fertilizers: 85% phosphoric acid is a key raw material for producing phosphatic fertilizers like monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP), which are essential for agriculture.
2. Metal Treatment and Cleaning:
   • Rust Removal: It is extensively used as a rust remover and metal surface treatment agent, reacting with iron oxide (rust) to form a protective iron phosphate layer.
   • Pickling of Metals: Phosphoric acid is used in metal pickling to clean and prepare metal surfaces for coatings and treatments.
3. Water Treatment:
   • Corrosion Control: It is used in water treatment to prevent scaling and corrosion, particularly in boiler and cooling systems.
   • pH Control: The acid is used to adjust the pH of water and other solutions in industrial applications.
4. Cleaning Agents:
   • Industrial Cleaners: Phosphoric acid is commonly found in industrial and household cleaning products for removing lime scale, mineral deposits, and rust stains. It is used to clean stainless steel, tiles, and other surfaces.
5. Food and Beverage Industry:
   • Food Additive (E338): In its food-grade form, it is used as an acidulant in beverages (like colas) and processed foods to provide a tart taste and regulate acidity.
   • Flavor Enhancer: It is used to enhance flavor in some beverages and food items.
6. Chemical Manufacturing:
   • Intermediate: Phosphoric acid 85% is used as an intermediate in the production of phosphate salts, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and flame retardants.
7. Dentistry:
   • Etching Agent: In dental applications, phosphoric acid is used to etch enamel before bonding dental materials to teeth, improving adhesion.

Health and Safety Considerations:

1. Safety:
   • Corrosive: The 85% solution is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and goggles, should be worn when handling.
   • Inhalation: Inhalation of mists or vapors can cause respiratory irritation.
2. Toxicity:
   • Ingestion: Ingestion of concentrated phosphoric acid can cause severe damage to the digestive system and must be handled carefully in food-related applications to avoid overuse.
   • Environmental Impact: Large spills can lead to the acidification of water bodies, potentially harming aquatic life.
3. Storage:
   • Store in tightly sealed containers made of materials resistant to corrosion (e.g., glass, certain plastics, or coated metals).
   • Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from incompatible substances such as strong bases or oxidizing agents.

Handling and Storage:

• Handling: Phosphoric acid 85% is corrosive, so it requires proper handling with appropriate PPE. It should be stored in corrosion-resistant containers, like those made of glass, plastic (such as polyethylene), or rubber-lined tanks.
• Storage: It should be kept in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry area, protected from moisture, as it is hygroscopic (absorbs water from the air) and from any incompatible materials.