Monosodium phosphate
Monosodium phosphate (MSP), also known as monobasic sodium phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate, is an inorganic compound of sodium with a dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4−) anion. One of many sodium phosphates, it is a common industrial chemical. The salt exists in an anhydrous form, as well as mono- and dihydrates.[1]
![]() | |
![]() | |
Names | |
---|---|
IUPAC name
Sodium dihydrogen phosphate | |
Other names
monobasic sodium phosphate; sodium dihydrogen phosphate; sodium biphosphate | |
Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
|
ChEBI | |
ChEMBL | |
ChemSpider | |
ECHA InfoCard | 100.028.591 |
E number | E339(i) (antioxidants, ...) |
PubChem CID |
|
UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
|
| |
| |
Properties | |
NaH2PO4 | |
Molar mass | 119.98 g/mol |
Appearance | White powder or crystals |
Density | 2.36 g/cm3 (anhydrous) |
59.90 g/100 mL (0°C) | |
Hazards | |
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
Flash point | Non-flammable |
Related compounds | |
Other cations |
Monopotassium phosphate Monoammonium phosphate |
Related compounds |
Disodium phosphate Trisodium phosphate |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
![]() ![]() ![]() | |
Infobox references | |
Production and reactions
The salt is obtained by partial neutralization of phosphoric acid. The pKa of monosodium phosphate is 6.8-7.2 (depending on the physicochemical characteristics during pKa determination).[2]
Heating this salt above 169 °C gives the corresponding sodium acid pyrophosphate:
- 2 NaH2PO4 → Na2H2P2O7 + H2O
Uses
Phosphates are often used in foods and in water treatment. The pH of such formulations is generally adjusted by mixtures of various sodium phosphates, such as this salt.[1] The sodium chloride equivalent value, or E-Value, is 0.49. It is soluble in 4.5 parts water.
Food additive
It is added in animal feed, toothpaste, and evaporated milk. It is used as a thickening agent and emulsifier.
Detection of magnesium
Monosodium phosphate is used to detect the presence of magnesium ions in salts. Formation of a white precipitate on the addition of ammonium chloride, ammonium hydroxide and monosodium phosphate to an aqueous or dilute HCl solution of the salt indicates presence of magnesium ions.
Notes
- Schrödter, Klaus; Bettermann, Gerhard; Staffel, Thomas; Wahl, Friedrich; Klein, Thomas; Hofmann, Thomas (2008). "Phosphoric Acid and Phosphates". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a19_465.pub3.
- Salaun, F.: "Influence of mineral environment on the buffering capacity of casein micelles", "Milchwissenschaft", 62(1):3