Phosphates Inorganic Chemicals and Compounds

Last Updated: April 1, 2025

Description

Phosphates are inorganic chemicals and compounds that primarily consist of the phosphate ion, PO4. These compounds are integral to various chemical processes and are often used in industrial applications to manage and control chemical reactions. Phosphates are known for their ability to inhibit corrosion and scale formation, particularly in systems where metal surfaces are exposed to water.

Working Principle

Phosphates work by interacting with metal ions and surfaces to form protective layers that prevent corrosion. In cooling systems, for example, phosphates are added to the water to form a protective film on low carbon steel surfaces, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion. This protective action is due to the chemical properties of phosphates, which allow them to bind with metal ions and create a barrier against corrosive elements. Additionally, phosphates can help in dispersing suspended solids, which is crucial in maintaining the efficiency of industrial systems.

Applications

Phosphates are widely used in industrial applications, particularly in water treatment processes. In cooling systems, they are added to prevent corrosion on heat exchangers and pipes made of low carbon steel. Phosphates are also used in the production of fertilizers, where they serve as a key nutrient for plants. In the pharmaceutical industry, phosphates are utilized in cleaning processes, where they are included in both manual and machine cleaning applications to ensure the removal of contaminants.

Advantages over other Inorganic Chemicals and Compounds

Phosphates offer specific advantages over other inorganic chemicals due to their ability to form protective layers on metal surfaces, which significantly reduces corrosion. This property makes them particularly useful in environments where metal surfaces are exposed to water and other corrosive elements. Additionally, phosphates are effective in dispersing suspended solids, which helps maintain the efficiency of industrial systems.

Limitations

One of the limitations of using phosphates is their potential to contribute to environmental issues such as eutrophication when they enter water bodies. This can lead to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants, disrupting ecosystems. Furthermore, the retention capacity for phosphorus in soil treatment systems is not renewable, meaning that over time, the soil's ability to remove phosphorus diminishes.

Considerations

When considering the use of phosphates, it is important to evaluate the initial costs and operating expenses associated with their application. Phosphates can be cost-effective in preventing corrosion and maintaining system efficiency, but their environmental impact must be carefully managed. Durability and maintenance costs are also factors to consider, as systems using phosphates may require regular monitoring and adjustments to ensure optimal performance and compliance with environmental regulations.

18 Results

pH Buffer 11.00 -- 238278
from Hamilton Company

All calibration procedures assume that the labeled values of the calibration buffers are correct. But buffer values can change over time and so can your results. A complete range of patented buffer solutions provides pH stability up to 5 years, something never achieved before. The pH buffers 9.21... [See More]

Type: Other; Buffer
Chemical Name: Hydrochloric Acid, and di-Potassoum Hydrogen Phosphate

Acids: All Inorganic Acids; Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Chemical Formula: HCl, K2HPO4

pH Buffer 7.00 -- 238188
from Hamilton Company

Type: Other; Buffer
Chemical Formula: KH2PO4, K2HPO4

Chemical Name: Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate, di-Potassium Phosphate
CAS Number: 7778-77-0, 7758-11-4

pH Buffer 7.00 -- 238218
from Hamilton Company

Type: Other; Buffer
Chemical Formula: KH2PO4, K2HPO4

Chemical Name: Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate, di-Potassium Phosphate
CAS Number: 7778-77-0, 7758-11-4

pH Buffer 7.00 -- 238918
from Hamilton Company

Type: Other; Buffer
Chemical Formula: KH2PO4, K2HPO4

Chemical Name: Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate, di-Potassium Phosphate
CAS Number: 7778-77-0, 7758-11-4

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Hydrogen Phosphate -- MBI C533-07 - Image

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) Hydrogen Phosphate -- MBI C533-07
from Chemical Strategies, Inc.

Chemical Strategies offers over 3,000 products by JT Baker. If you are unable to locate a chemical you need, our sales department can custom source any needed materials for you directly. [See More]

Ammonium hexafluorophosphate -- M015-3-01 - Image

Ammonium hexafluorophosphate -- M015-3-01
from SynQuest Laboratories, Inc.

Molecular Weight: 163. TSCA: Listed on TSCA inventory; for R&D use only [See More]

Chemical Name: Ammonium hexafluorophosphate
CAS Number: 16941-11-0

Chemical Formula: F ₆ H ₄ NP
Purity: 99.8

Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic ACS Crystals -- 2025 - Image

Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic ACS Crystals -- 2025
from Jost Chemical USA

White crystals [See More]

Chemical Name: Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic ACS Crystals
CAS Number: 7783-28-0

Chemical Formula: (NH4)2HPO4
State of Matter: Bulk Solids or Granules

Zinc Orthophosphate
from Old Bridge Chemicals, Inc.

Common Name: Zinc Orthophosphate [See More]

Chemical Name: Zinc Orthophosphate

State of Matter: Liquids

Ammonium hexafluorophosphate -- 003941 - Image

Ammonium hexafluorophosphate -- 003941
from Matrix Scientific

Ammonium hexafluorophosphate. Molecular Formula: H4F6NP. Molecular Weight: 163 [See More]

Chemical Name: Ammonium hexafluorophosphate
CAS Number: 16941-11-0

Chemical Formula: H4F6NP
Purity: 99

AMMONIUM HEXAFLUOROPHOSPHATE 99.9% - Image

AMMONIUM HEXAFLUOROPHOSPHATE 99.9%
from GFS Chemicals, Inc.

ITEM#:1298. NH4PF6. CAS#:16941-11-0. F.W.:163.00. NFPA#: Specific Gravity: 0.000. DOT:NR. Descriptions: Specification. TEST. 1. Assay (metals basis) 99.9% min. 2. Assay (as F) 69% min. Properties. No properties. [See More]

Chemical Formula: NH4PF6
State of Matter: Powders

CAS Number: 16941-11-0

Phosphate Buffered Saline 0.01M pH 7.2 -- s2138 - Image

Phosphate Buffered Saline 0.01M pH 7.2 -- s2138
from Poly Scientific

Phosphate Buffered Saline 0.01M pH 7.2 [See More]

Chemical Name: Phosphate Buffered Saline 0.01M pH 7.2

Phosphoric Acid
from Esprix Technologies

Esprix offers a full range of chemicals for micro and macro (PCB) applications. Products include oxidizing compounds, corrosion inhibitors, chelating compounds, solvents, and surfactants. Acids/bases: HF, Hydrochloric, Nitric, Acetic, Sulfuric, phosphoric, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. [See More]

Acids: All Inorganic Acids; Phosphoric Acid
State of Matter: Liquids

Chemical Name: Phosphoric Acid

Calcium Phosphate, Dibasic, Anhydrous, Powder, FCC -- CCI 1185NG - Image

Calcium Phosphate, Dibasic, Anhydrous, Powder, FCC -- CCI 1185NG
from Chemical Strategies, Inc.

Chemical Strategies offers over 3,000 products by Columbus Chemical, Inc. If you are unable to locate a chemical you need, our sales department can custom source any needed materials for you directly. [See More]