Phosphoric Acid
What is Phosphoric Acid?
Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is a triprotic inorganic oxyacid that is a moderate weak acid, ionizing in three steps with pKa values of approximately 2.1, 7.2, and 12.4. It is manufactured by the wet process (reaction of phosphate rock with sulfuric acid) or the thermal process and is used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, food additives (cola beverages), and as a rust converter. Phosphoric acid and its salts (phosphates) are also essential in biochemistry as components of ATP, DNA, and cell membranes.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is a triprotic inorganic oxyacid that is a moderate weak acid, ionizing in three steps with pKa values of approximately 2.1, 7.2, and 12.4. It is manufactured by the wet process (reaction of phosphate rock with sulfuric acid) or the thermal process and is used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, food additives (cola beverages), and as a rust converter. Phosphoric acid and its salts (phosphates) are also essential in biochemistry as components of ATP, DNA, and cell membranes.