Sodium hydrogen phosphate, also known as disodium phosphate, has the chemical formula Na2HPO4 and is a white-colored, crystalline powder. It is commonly used as a food additive, buffering agent, and in various industrial applications. Sodium hydrogen phosphate has many uses, including as a pH regulator, emulsifier, and thickening agent.
Calculate Sodium Hydrogen Phosphate Molar Mass
The molar mass of sodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4) is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements.
The atomic masses are as follows:
Sodium (Na) = 22.99 g/mol
Hydrogen (H) = 1.01 g/mol
Phosphorus (P) = 30.97 g/mol
Oxygen (O) = 16.00 g/mol
To calculate the molar mass of Na2HPO4 = (2 * Na) + (1 * H) + (1 * P) + (4 * O)
= (2 * 22.99) + 1.01 + 30.97 + (4 * 16.00)
= 45.98 + 1.01 + 30.97 + 64.00 = 141.96 g/mol
The molar mass of sodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4) is approximately 141.96 g/mol.
Uses of Sodium Hydrogen Phosphate
Sodium hydrogen phosphate is also a versatile compound with a wide range of applications.
Food Industry Applications
Sodium hydrogen phosphate plays an important role in the food industry, where it serves as a multi-purpose additive.
1. pH Regulation
Sodium hydrogen phosphate acts as a buffering agent, helping to maintain a constant pH of food products. It is used in dairy products, canned goods, and baked goods.
2. Emulsification
This compound enhances the stability and texture of food emulsions such as salad dressings and sauces. And it is used to prevent the separation of oil and water.
3. Leavening Agent
It is used in baking to contribute to the leavening process. It reacts with acidic ingredients such as cream of tartar to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough or batter to rise.
Industrial Applications
Beyond the food industry, sodium hydrogen phosphate is used in a variety of industrial applications.
1. Water Treatment
Sodium hydrogen phosphate is used in water treatment processes to control pH levels and prevent corrosion. This helps maintain the optimum pH range.
2. Detergents and Cleaning Products
As a surfactant and builder, sodium hydrogen phosphate is used in laundry detergents and cleaning agents. It helps in removing stains.
3. Metal Finishing
In metal finishing processes, sodium hydrogen phosphate is used as a pH buffer and corrosion inhibitor. And it helps to control the acidity of the solutions.
Miscellaneous Uses
Apart from its major applications, sodium hydrogen phosphate is also used in many other areas:
1. Pharmaceutical Industry
Sodium hydrogen phosphate is used in pharmaceutical formulations as a buffering agent and excipient.
2. Analytical Chemistry
This compound is often employed in analytical techniques, such as DNA extraction and protein purification. It is used to adjust pH levels and create optimal conditions for specific chemical reactions.
3. Agricultural and Horticultural Uses
Sodium hydrogen phosphate is used as a source of phosphorus.
Sodium Hydrogen Phosphate Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical Properties
Appearance: It is a white, crystalline powder or granules.
Odor: It is odorless.
Solubility: It readily dissolves in water to form an alkaline solution.
Density: Around 1.62 g/cm³.
Chemical Properties
pH: It exhibits a pH value between 8 and 9, making it mildly alkaline.
Ionization: Sodium hydrogen phosphate dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and hydrogen phosphate ions (HPO4²⁻) when dissolved in water.
