Sodium phosphate: description, application, effects on the body

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-02 16:12

Sodium phosphate (colloquial, correct: sodium phosphate, orthophosphate, bone phosphate or Na₃PO_{4) - white hygroscopic medium s alt, thermally stable and melting without decomposition (at a temperature of 250 degrees and above). It dissolves in water, creating a highly alkaline environment.}

Sodium phosphate is obtained by the action of alkali on phosphoric acid (neutralization), during the dehydration of sodium hydroorthophosphates.

Used as emulsifiers and pH regulators and anti-caking agents. Sodium phosphate is used by detergent manufacturers. Especially often triphosphate is used, which can be up to 50% in powders. To soften water (eliminate hardness), dehydrated substances are used, which form a complex with a number of metals (magnesium, calcium, barium, etc.). Sodium phosphate (technical, under the brand name "B") is used in the manufacture of glasses, paints, and in the enrichment of ores. But Na₂HPO₄•12H_{2O (food, branded "A") use mainly in the food industry as a baking powder. It improves the consistency of condensed milk, cheeses, sausages. usesodium phosphate for electrophoresis (electrolytic processes) and photography (as a developer component).}

Let's consider orthophosphates in more detail.

Sodium tripolyphosphate is produced under two markings: "A", "B". Packed only in special containers MKR-1, transported in equipped (special) mineral wagons. Shelf life unlimited.

Trinatrium phosphate (sodium phosphate, trisubstituted) is used in the food, pulp and paper industries, in the energy sector, in the production of powders, cleaning pastes, dish detergents and as a surfactant in the production of cement. When drilling (oil industry) it is included as a polymer additive. Trisodium phosphate perfectly degreases the surface of any equipment, so it is in demand for flushing. It looks like scales (crystals) with alkaline properties, non-flammable. It is in the second class of danger for the effects on the human body.

Quite a legitimate question: "With such widespread use, does sodium phosphate harm our body?"

Antioxidant (on the labels it is listed as E-300 (and up to E-339) helps preserve color, avoid bitterness and protects against oxidation. It can be as a natural compound (vitamin E, ascorbic acid familiar to everyone), and chemically synthesized, not found in nature Added to emulsions containing oils (eg mayonnaise, ketchup) In addition to the properties of emulsifier and stabilizer, Na₃PO_{4is a water retaining agent,complexing agent, stabilizer. For example, in baking with large volumes (bread factories, bakeries), a high dough rise is extremely important, moreover, with a porous and light structure. Here, the reaction rate between sodium bicarbonate and phosphoric acid s alt just gives the desired effect in the end. Especially popular is the modification of E-450 (SAPP, sodium pyrophosphate). This baking powder makes it possible to provide an excellent dough rise (maximum in comparison with analogues), which remains after baking. Added to muffins, cakes, gingerbread, pizza, cakes. Recommended for almost any dough (frozen yeast, whipped, crumbly shortbread).}

The buffering properties of E-450, as well as the ability to bind calcium, are used in dairies. Pyrophosphates have a specific effect on casein - it opens, swells and acts as an emulsifier, which is convenient when preparing puddings, imitation dairy products, and desserts. Condensed milk, obtained by extracting water, also does not do without the s alt-stabilizer DSP (disubstituted sodium phosphate).

In the meat industry, thanks to the emulsifiers we are discussing, they significantly increase the overall yield of products while stabilizing the consistency and improving the color.

It is better to limit the use of products containing sodium phosphates (or prepared with their use), since the rapid binding of calcium leads to a deficiency of the latter in the body. In addition, this substance is part of laxatives, so excessivethe amount of sausage can disrupt the digestive tract.