formula H₃PO₄. Phosphoric acid is a weak acid and is also known as orthophosphoric acid. The pure compound is a colorless solid while it gives colorless syrup of 85% concentration in water. Phosphoric acid encounters a non-volatile solution in an aqueous solution.

At 85% concentration in water is a thick liquid, but it does not meet the strict meaning of powerful acid, and it is transferable.

Phosphoric acid can be prepared in the laboratory by two processes, one is a Wet-process, and the other is a Thermal process. Phosphoric rock that is called Fluor-apatite, 3Ca₃(PO₄)₂ produces phosphoric acid by wet process. In the thermal process, we use air and phosphorus to prepare phosphoric acid at a high temperature of 1850-3050K.

Phosphoric acid is a non-toxic and non-volatile acid. In low concentration, it is a weak acid and ingestible and doesn’t harm the skin. But in high concentrations, it can be dangerous and causes skin burn like any other strong acid.

Fertilizer manufacturers use phosphoric acid that is the essential nutrient for plant growth. It is also used as a food additive to give a sour and tangy flavor to jams or pickles. Food and beverages use phosphoric acid to acidify. Therefore, some colas are called phosphate sodas. Usage of these colas can cause dental erosion and the formation of kidney stones. H₃PO₄ has a wide range of uses in many other industries, like fuel cells, and the activated carbon uses phosphoric acid for manufacturing. Phosphoric acid is also in skin and cosmetic products as a pH adjuster and as sanitizing agent the dairy products.

CAS NO :- 7664-38-2

USES AND APPLICATIONS FOR PHOSPHORIC ACID

INDUSTRIES

It is used in numerous industrial applications like: –

• In micro-fabrication.
• Activated carbon production
• In the manufacturing of phosphoric acid energy cells.
• Sanitizing agent.
• pH adjuster.

… and many more.