trisodium phosphate

What is trisodium phosphate?

TSP is an inorganic compound that is used in various industries such as degreaser, builder, food additive, cleaning agent and stain remover. this chemical with  chemical formula Na3PO4 is a white crystalline or granular solid that is very soluble in water.

This chemical is produced in both anhydrous and hydrated  dodecahydrate Na3PO4 • 12H2O. forms. The commercial form of this substance is usually hydrated.

Production method

It is produced from the neutralization reaction of phosphoric acid with sodium carbonate. In the first step of this reaction, sodium hydrogen phosphate is produced, which after reaction with sodium hydroxide trisodium phosphate and water is produced.

Na2CO3 + H3PO4 → Na2HPO4 + CO2 + H2O

Na2HPO4 + NaOH → Na3PO4 + H2O

 

Properties

 

Chemical formula	Na3PO4
Density	2.536 g/cm3 (17.5 °C, anhydrous) 1.62 g/cm3 (20 °C, dodecahydrate)[
Melting point	1,583 °C (2,881 °F; 1,856 K) (anhydrous) 73.4 °C (164.1 °F; 346.5 K) (dodecahydrate)
Boiling point	100 °C (212 °F; 373 K) (dodecahydrate) decomposes
Solubility in water	anhydrous: 5.4 g/100 mL (0 °C) 12 g/100 mL (20 °C) 14.5 g/100 mL (25 °C) 23.3 g/100 mL (40 °C) 94.6 g/100 mL (100 °C) dodecahydrate: 28.3 g/100 mL (20 °C)
Solubility	insoluble in ethanol, CS2

 

Applications

Food additive

Sodium phosphates, including monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, and trisodium phosphate, are common food additives under the E-number E339 and have been approved by the EU. Sodium phosphate is a safe substance, according to the Food and Drug Administration FDA and used as acidity regulators in food industries.

 

Cleaning

The 1% solution of trisodium phosphate has pH of 12. It is a strong base whose base strength is sufficient to saponify greases and oils.

 

The Pros and Cons of Cleaning with TSP

TSP is a powerful cleanser that you must be very careful when using.

In the past, trisodium phosphate (TSP) was a good choice for hard cleaning, especially outdoors. This substance is diluted in water and with the help of a hard scrub brush, it can remove stubborn grease and mold stains. In recent years, the popularity of TSP has declined as it can cause harm to human health and environmental degradation, while there are no complaints about its performance.

advantages of cleaning with TSP

There is no doubt about the excellent performance of TSP as a cleanser. In fact, TSP can often do this in cases where other cleaners cannot remove grease and dirt stains.

In addition, contrary to expectations, this powerful cleanser is easy to use and after diluting with water can be used with a sponge or brush or spray.

This material is suitable for use and cleaning external surfaces.

Many hard surfaces such as stone, brick, wood cement, etc. can be cleaned with the help of this material without damage.

But if the surface is painted, it should be repainted after using TSP. Because this material has the ability to decolorize. This material is used to prepare pre-painted surfaces to remove cracked or flaky paint that prevents re-painting.

Other applications of this material include the proper use of mold removal if combined with household whitewash.

Other applications of this material include the proper use of mold removal in combination with household bleach.

Disadvantages in cleaning with TSP

This substance is toxic. Using TSP should be done with caution. This means that when working with this material, you should use appropriate protective equipment such as goggles and respirators, and clothes with sleeves. And if you want to work from home, you need to ventilate the area well enough.

If trisodium phosphate is used outdoors, especially if it is combined with bleach, runoff should be controlled as it can cause damage to the environment and green space.

If TSP ends up in lakes and streams, the phosphates cause the algae to overgrow, reducing the oxygen level in the water, endangering the lives of fish and aquatic plants.

Avoid cleaning the bathroom with TSP. This material can damage metal, ceramic tiles, grout and glass. And it is not suitable for painted surfaces.

 

An Alternative to Cleaning with TSP

 

Use borax if the disadvantages of this substance make you want to use another cleanser. Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound that affects many surfaces, including areas covered in mold and mildew. It cleans and does not pose a danger to the environment and plants