Na3PO4
Brief Overview
Trisodium phosphate appears as a white granular solid with a chemical formula of Na3PO4. It is highly soluble in water and is widely in several applications such as cleaning agent, lubricant, and food additive.
Manufacturing Processes
Trisodium phosphate is produced through a neutralisation reaction between sodium hydroxide and disodium phosphate, which is produced using sodium carbonate and phosphoric acid.
Na2CO3 + H3PO4 → Na2HPO4 + CO2+ H2O
Na2HPO4 + NaOH → Na3PO4 + H2O
Detergent Industry
It is used widely in detergents to saponify grease and oils. When combined with surfactants, it is an excellent cleaning agent for a wide range of applications, from laundry to cleaning of concrete surfaces.
Paint Industry
It is used in the degreasing and deglossing of walls which gives a better surface for greater adhesion of the paint.
Food additive
It is commonly used as acidity regulators and it has the collective E number E339.