What Is Dipotassium Phosphate?

Berry Mathew

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What Is Dipotassium Phosphate

It is completely normal to wonder about what is dipotassium phosphate.  You might have heard or read this somewhere or in school. The words seem to be big but don’t worry I will make it easy for you. Plus I will tell you the properties, uses, and benefits of the same. You will also get to know much more about this unique substance. So let’s not waste time and begin gaining knowledge about what is dipotassium phosphate.

What Is Dipotassium Phosphate?

Dipotassium phosphate is a man-made chemical substance that belongs to the class of inorganic compounds. It is a colorless white water-soluble salt with a great source of potassium and phosphorous. Another name of dipotassium phosphate is “dipotassium hydrogen phosphate”. It is derived from the elements of potassium, sodium, and phosphorous. They play an important role in the production of high-energy molecules named adenosine triphosphate in your body. They are found in dry as well as the liquid form which is edible. You can continue reading to know what is the dipotassium hydrogen phosphate formula.

What Is Chemical Formula For Dipotassium Phosphate?

The chemical formula for Dipotassium phosphate is K2HPO4.

Here,

K = Potassium

HP0= Hydrogen Phosphate

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Properties Of Dipotassium Phosphate

Dipotassium phosphate has both physical and chemical properties. Have a look at what are the properties of dipotassium phosphate that makes it effective.

  1. Physical Properties Of Dipotassium Phosphate

  • Color: White
  • Odor: Odourless
  • Form: Dry Powder, Liquid
  • Chemical Formula: K2HPO4
  • Covalently-Bonded Unit: 3
  • Hydrogen Bond Acceptor: 4
  • Heavy Atom Count: 7
  • Molecular Weight: 2 g/mol
  • Density:44 g/cm3
  • Melting Point: >456°C
  • Complexity: 4605
  • Solubility: Water Soluble
  • CAS Number: 7758-11-14
  1. Chemical Properties Of Dipotassium Phosphate

  • Dipotassium Phosphate reacts with hydrogen chloride forming potassium chloride and phosphoric acid.

K2HPO4 + 2HCl → 2KCl + H3PO4

  • Dipotassium Phosphate reacts with sodium hydroxide forming disodium hydrogen phosphate and water.

3K2HPO4 + 2NaOH → Na2HPO4 + 2K3PO4 + 2H2O

Uses Of Dipotassium Phosphate

Continue reading to know about what is dipotassium phosphate used in food, cosmetics, fertilizers, and as a nutrient supplement.

  1. As Nutrient Supplement

For the fitness-minded people out there, you can use dipotassium phosphate as a protein stabilizer. It is an energy supplement used in weight training drinks and powder mixes. For weightlifters, bodybuilders, and athletes, it contributes to your normal muscle function.

  1. As A Buffering Agent

Dipotassium phosphate is commonly used as a buffering agent in powdered food and medicines. Because of that, It helps the product to have a long shelf life.

  1. In Food

You can find dipotassium phosphate used as a food additive. To prevent the thickening in non-dairy creamers it is used as a stabilizer. It is an effective buffering agent which can be used for yeast food, emulsifying salt, and a synergistic agent of antioxidant. The oat milk contains an acidity regulator named dipotassium phosphate which helps it to blend with coffee.

  1. In Cosmetics

Dipotassium phosphate helps to adjust and maintain the pH level of water-based and water-soluble cosmetic products. You can find dipotassium phosphate in multiple skincare products also. It helps your skin visibly smooth and wrinkle-free.

  1. In Fertilizers

This highly water-soluble salt is often used as instant fertilizers. It increases the amount of growth at the final stage of the crop growing cycle. They are safe to use in all irrigation and spraying systems for a wide range of crops.

Benefits Of Dipotassium Phosphate

Dipotassium phosphate has multiple benefits as a nutrient supplement. Further, I have discussed below what are the benefits of dipotassium phosphate in the food industry.

  • Helps in body functioning
  • Aids normal muscle function
  • Supports recovery of muscles
  • Improve your body’s stability
  • Decreases risk of strokes
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Reduces risk of kidney stones
  • Preserves bone density
  • Helps in crop-growth cycle
  • Provides texture to food.

Side Effects Of Dipotassium Phosphate

Now, what are the side effects of dipotassium phosphate that you should know? Here is the complete list of side effects that may occur.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach Pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Bone or joint pain
  • Increase in thirst

Dosage

First of all, Dipotassium phosphate is vegan. Dipotassium phosphate works best when consumed on an empty stomach. You can take it four times a day mixed with fruit juice or water.

People Who Should Avoid

People with below listed pre-existing health conditions should avoid the consumption of dipotassium phosphate.

  • Kidney disease
  • Severe heart disease
  • Lung disease
  • Thyroid problems
  • Liver disease
  • Addison’s disease

Synonyms

You should also note the following synonyms of dipotassium phosphate.

  • Dipotassium Hydrogen Phosphate
  • Dibasic Potassium Phosphate
  • Dibasic Potassium Phosphoric acid

FAQ

Is Dipotassium Phosphate Safe In Food?

Dipotassium phosphate is a food additive, one which has been repeatedly ruled safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration, as well as numerous similar bodies around the world.

Should I Avoid Dipotassium Phosphate?

Although dipotassium phosphate is safe for healthy individuals, it can be dangerous for those with common health problems, including kidney disease, severe heart and lung disease, and thyroid problems. It’s used as a buffering agent in antifreeze, and in food as an additive to emulsify, stabilize, or provide texture.

Why Is Dipotassium Phosphate In Coffee Creamer?

Coffee Creamers – Dipotassium Phosphate is an excellent highly soluble buffer for casein based coffee creamers. The use of Dipotassium Phosphate stabilizes the protein layer around the fat droplets, thus, preventing syneresis and curdling of the protein when added to hot, acidic coffee or tea.

Why Is Phosphate Added To Food?

Inorganic phosphorus, or phosphate additives, is used by the food industry to extend the shelf life of food, to make foods creamier and easier to melt, and to keep powders from clumping. Common foods with phosphate additives include fast food, canned or bottled drinks, spreadable cheeses and processed foods.

What Are The Side Effects Of Dipotassium Phosphate?

Common side effects may include:

  • nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
  • bone or joint pain;
  • headache, dizziness, tired feeling;
  • muscle pain or weakness;
  • increased thirst; or.
  • numbness or tingly feeling.

Is Disodium Phosphate Good Or Bad For You?

Disodium phosphate is a food additive. It’s “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Phosphates like disodium phosphate are derived from the element phosphorus. They’re used to enhance food characteristics like nutritional value and cooking performance.

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Conclusion

By reading my above article, you got a clear idea of what dipotassium phosphate is an ingredient. Dipotassium Phosphate is a white powdery substance that easily dissolves in a liquid. It can be used as a fertilizer, food additive, or as buffering agent. Dipotassium phosphate is considered a safe supplement by experts. But overconsumption can lead to a negative impact on your health. I suggest people with pre-existing health conditions discuss with your doctor. So, you have now learned what is dipotassium phosphate and its impacts on human health.

What is dipotassium phosphate?

How is dipotassium phosphoric acid produced commercially?