Uses of Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric Acid has a wide range of applications in diverse industries. A few of its uses are described below:

Phosphoric Acid to Remove Rust

Phosphoric acid act as a good rust remover and therefore it is used as a treatment of rust. When phosphoric acid reacts with iron oxide it forms a protective layer and thus prevents rusting.

Phosphoric Acid in Soft Drinks

Phosphoric Acid is also used in soft drinks and in various other food and beverages as an acidity regulator and to enhance their flavor and taste, it gives a special tart flavour to these products.

Phosphoric Acid Fuel cell

Phosphoric Acid fuel cell (PAFC) uses liquid phosphoric acid as an electrolyte. This liquid phosphoric acid helps in improving stability and performance of the fuel cell. It is also cost efficient and provides an efficiency of about 35% – 45%.

Some other uses of phosphoric acid are:

  • Phosphoric Acid is used in the pharmaceutical industry. It is used in various medicines and helps regulate pH levels in drug formation.
  • Phosphoric Acid is majorly used in the production of fertilizers to provide an essential nutrient to plants i.e. phosphorus.
  • It is used by dentists as an etching solution for tooth cleaning.
  • It is also used in the production of vitamins and dietary supplements.
  • Phosphoric Acid is also used in the manufacturing of various daily-use products such as mouthwash, detergents, soaps, and various skin care products.

Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid is a colorless, odorless, inorganic compound. It is mainly found as an aqueous solution with a concentration of about 85%. It is represented by the chemical formula H3PO4. It is extensively used in distinct fields. Its applications include its usage in manufacturing fertilizers, various pharmaceutical products, skin care products, and much more.

In this article, we will do an in-depth study of Phosphoric acids, their properties, their usage, and others in detail.

Table of Content

  • What is Phosphoric Acid?
  • Structure of Phosphoric Acid
  • Preparation of Phosphoric Acid
  • Types of Phosphoric Acid
  • Properties of Phosphoric Acid
  • Uses of Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric Acid Overview

IUPAC Name

Ortho Phosphoric Acid

Chemical Formula

H3PO4

Molar Mass

97.99 g/mol

Melting Point

42.4 °C OR 108.3 °F OR 315.5 K

Boiling Point

407 °C OR 765 °F OR 680 K

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What is Phosphoric Acid?

Phosphoric acid is a weak inorganic acid which is colorless and odorless. It is generally found in a liquid state with a concentration of not more than 85%. It is found as a white solid crystal solid in its pure form. The IUPAC name of Phosphoric Acid is orthophosphoric acid....

Phosphoric Acid Structure

Phosphoric acid is represented as H3PO4 or PO-(OH)3. The structure of Phosphoric Acid consists of three hydroxyl groups (-OH), each single-bonded with the central phosphorus atom (P) and one oxygen atom which is in double-bond with the central available phosphorus atom (P). The structure of Phosphoric acid is illustrated below:...

Lewis Structure of Phosphoric Acid

In the Lewis structure, the bonded electrons are shown with a solid line, and non-bonded electrons are shown with the dots. The structure of phosphoric acid consists of one oxygen atom, one phosphorus atom, and three hydroxyl group (-OH). The Lewis structure of Phosphoric Acid is shown below:...

Preparation of Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric Acid has many applications and it is generally prepared by the two processes namely:...

Types of Phosphoric Acid

The types of Phosphoric acid is given below:...

Properties of Phosphoric Acid

The physical and chemical properties of Phosphoric Acid are described below:...

Phosphoric Acid Acidity

Phosphoric acid, also known as H3PO4 is a non-metal phosphate. It is an inorganic weak acid but long exposure to it can result into irritation in skin and eyes....

Phosphates: Salts of Phosphoric Acid

The salts of phosphoric acid are termed as Phosphates. The important phosphates of Phosphoric Acid are:...

Uses of Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric Acid has a wide range of applications in diverse industries. A few of its uses are described below:...

Health Hazards of Phosphoric Acid

In General, phosphoric acid is non-toxic and non-poisonous and is harmless when used in low concentrations. However, it is dangerous at high concentrations and can cause severe damage and irritation to the skin and eyes if exposed. It can even harm the respiratory tract if its vapors are inhaled. Therefore, it should be stored in a cool and ventilated place in a metal container and proper care and precautions must be taken while handling it....

Phosphoric Acid – Summary

IUPAC Name Ortho Phosphoric Acid Chemical Formula H3PO4 Melting Point 42.4 °C Boiling Point 407 °C Molecular Weight 97.99 g/mol Equivalent Weight 49 g/mol Appearance Colourless liquid Odor Odorless pKa value pKa1 = 2.15 pKa2 = 7.20 pKa3 = 12.35 Density 1.6845 g/cm3...

Phosphoric Acid-FAQs

1. What happens when H3PO4 reacts with NaOH?...

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