Dipotassium Phosphate

Introduction

Dipotassium phosphate has an empirical or molecular formula, $\mathrm{(K_2 HPO_4)}$. Sometimes, it is also called dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate or potassium phosphate dibasic. It is not an organic or inorganic compound molar or molecular mass = 174.2g/mol. It has a white powder-like appearance and is odourless.

Along with monopotassium phosphate $\mathrm{(KH_2 PO_4)}$, it is often or widely used as a fertilizer (phosphorus content), food additive (in addition to some food materials), and buffering agent. And it is also easily soluble in the water. It can be produced or generated commercially by the process of partial or slight neutralization of an acid called phosphoric acid (H₃ PO₄) with the two (2) equivalents of potassium chloride (KCl). There are various uses of Dipotassium phosphate. It is used in the formation of imitation (non) dairy creamers (non-dairy products), dry powder beverages, starter cultures, and mineral supplements. It also acts as a buffering agent.

What is Dipotassium phosphate?

Dipotassium phosphate, denoted by the formula K₂ HPO₄ is the inorganic compound. It is also known as or called dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate or potassium phosphate dibasic. In its natural appearance, it is white or colourless. And it is also very soluble in the water. It has a molar mass of 174.2g/mol. If we combine this with monopotassium phosphate which is denoted by the formula $$\mathrm{(KH_2 PO_4.(H_2 O)_x)}$$, we will get fertilizer, and it can be used or help in the production of food additives, buffering agents, etc. It is odourless. It has a density of 2.44g/cm³. It has melting point approx greater than 465 °C or, 869 °F or 738K. It is slightly or less soluble in alcohol. It is non-flammable (do not catch fire so easily). Generally, it is produced commercially with the help of partial or sightly neutralization of phosphoric acid (H₃ PO₄)}$ with two (2) equivalents or components of potassium chloride (KCl). The Reaction is denoted below −

$$\mathrm{H_3 PO_4+2KCl\rightarrow K_2HPO_4+2HCl.}$$

Dipotassium Phosphate Structure-K² HPO⁴

As we know the molecular or empirical formula for dipotassium phosphate is K₂ HPO₄. So, we can say that its structure is a combination of potassium(K), hydrogen(H), phosphorus(P), and oxygen(O). The figure of the compound has been depicted below −

Physical Properties of Dipotassium Phosphate- K₂ HPO₄

• Dipotassium Phosphate K₂ HPO₄ is an inorganic compound that is odourless.

• The Colour of this compound (dipotassium phosphate) is white.

• It is a kind of deliquescent solid (good absorber) which means that it is capable of absorbing moisture (water-component) from the air and can also dissolve in it.

• Dipotassium phosphate contains three covalently bonded units.

• The complexity of this compound is about 4605.

• This compound is capable of mixing with water, but it is slightly or partially soluble in alcohol.

• Its density is about 2.44g/cm³.

• It has melting point (M.P.) approximately greater than 465 °C or, 869 °F or 738K.

Chemical properties of Dipotassium Phosphate- K₂ HPO₄

• Dipotassium phosphate can be prepared or produced by the condensation process of the phosphoric acid with potassium hydroxide.

• Dipotassium phosphate can react with hydrochloric acid denoted by (HCl). When this dipotassium phosphate compound reacts or combines with hydrochloric acid (HCl), it gives potassium chloride (KCl) and phosphoric acid (H₃ PO₄). The chemical reaction for the same has been depicted below −

  $$\mathrm{K_2 HPO_4+2HCl\rightarrow H_3 PO_4+2KCl.}$$

• Dipotassium phosphate is also capable of reacting with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). When this compound reacts with sodium hydroxide which is a base, it gives disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na₂ HPO₄) and water (H₂ O). The reaction or chemical reaction for the same has been depicted below-

  $$\mathrm{2NaOH+3K_2 HPO_4→2K_3 PO_4+2H_2 O+Na_2 HPO_4.}$$

Uses of Dipotassium Phosphate- K₂ HPO₄

• As we know Dipotassium phosphate along with monopotassium phosphate is used in fertilizers. Dipotassium phosphate is used as one of the components of fertilizers this is because of its highly water-soluble nature. Phosphorus is one of its main components that help in the growth of plants.

• It is also used or treated as a food additive. Although the grades or composition of dipotassium phosphate(K₂ HPO₄) used in the food additives are distinct from that used in the fertilizers.

• It can also be added to the milk to exceed its pH value. This mixing is done to exceed the net or total micelle (aggregates of the molecules) charge.

• It can also be used as a buffering agent.

• These phosphates can also be used in the production of imitation (non-dairy) creamers and the formation of dry powder beverages.

• This can also be used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, e.t.c.

Conclusion

Dipotassium phosphate, denoted by or represented by the formula (₂ HPO₄) is the inorganic compound. It is also called or known as dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate or potassium phosphate dibasic. In its natural appearance, it is white (in colour) or colourless solid or powder. And it is also highly or very much soluble in the water. It has a molar or molecular mass of 174.2g/mol. If we combine this (Dipotassium phosphate) with monopotassium phosphate which is denoted by the formula $\mathrm{(KH_2 PO_4.(H_2 O)_x)}$, we will get fertilizer, and it can be used or treated as a food additive, buffering agent, etc. It is odourless (no smell) in nature. It has a density of 2.44g/cm³. It has a melting point (M.P.) of approximately greater than 465 °C or, 869 °F or 738K. It is slightly or less soluble in alcohol. It is non-flammable (do not catch fire so easily). It is produced commercially with the help of partial or slight neutralization of phosphoric acid (H₃ PO₄) with two (2) equivalents of potassium chloride (KCl).

FAQs

1. What is dipotassium phosphate?

Dipotassium phosphate is an inorganic compound with the formula K₂ HPO₄, which is highly soluble in water but slightly soluble in alcohol. It is non-flammable and odourless. It has a white solid or powder-like appearance.

2. Write the formula of dipotassium phosphate.

Dipotassium phosphate is denoted by the formula- K₂ HPO₄.

3. What are some of the characteristics of dipotassium phosphate?

Some of the characteristics of dipotassium phosphate are as follows −

• IUPAC name of this compound is dihydrogen hydrogen phosphate.

• The Molar mass of this compound is 174.2g/mol.

• It can accept a maximum, of four hydrogen bonds.

4. Dipotassium phosphate is found in which food materials?

Food materials like pasta, macaroni, cheese, meat, chocolate, and canned juices are some of the food products that contain dipotassium phosphate.

5. Mention some uses of dipotassium phosphate.

Some uses of dipotassium phosphate are −

• It is used as the main component in the formation of fertilizers.

• It is also used as a food additive. Although the composition of dipotassium phosphate used in the food additives is different from that used in the fertilizers.

• It can also be added to the milk to increase its pH value.