by Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, also known simply as dibasic calcium phosphate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CaHPO4. It is a versatile compound that finds uses in a wide range of industries from food to pharmaceuticals. Let’s take a closer look at the properties and applications of this important calcium phosphate.
Properties
As the name suggests, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate contains no water of crystallization. It exists as a white powder or fine crystals. Some key properties of this calcium phosphate include:
– Molecular weight of 172.10 g/mol
– Melting point of 1450°C
– Solubility of 2.07 g/100ml in water at 20°C
– pH value of 8.5 in saturated aqueous solution
– Non-hygroscopic in nature
Due to its low water solubility, Anhydrous Dibasic Calcium Phosphate acts as a mineral supplement that can safely pass through the digestive system. This property makes it suitable for use in supplements, pharmaceutical applications, and other areas.
Food Applications
Dibasic calcium phosphate finds widespread use in the food as a leavening agent, firming agent, nutrient supplement, and pH control agent. Some specific applications include:
– Baked goods: It is used as a leavening agent in baked goods like bread, cakes and biscuits. When mixed with an acidic ingredient like buttermilk or yogurt, it reacts to produce carbon dioxide gas which helps the dough rise.
– Dairy products: As a firming agent, it helps provide body and texture to products like processed cheese slices and cheese sauce mixes.
– Nutritional supplements: Being a calcium and phosphate mineral source, it is added to foods like breakfast cereals to fortify them with these essential nutrients.
– Meat products: Small amounts of dibasic calcium phosphate are added to processed meats like sausage and ham to help retain moisture content.
Pharmaceutical Uses
In the pharmaceutical , dibabolic calcium phosphate has applications as an excipient, diluent, disintegrant and more. Some uses include:
– Tablet/capsule excipient: It is routinely used as a filler and diluent in tablet and capsule formulations due to its pH buffering abilities.
– Disintegrant: When included in tablet formulations, it promotes the breakup of tablets into small fragments after administration, aiding dissolution.
– Effervescent products: It reacts with acids to release carbon dioxide, making it suitable for use in effervescent formulations like antacids.
– Dental products: As a source of calcium and phosphate, it provides minerals to dental products like toothpastes and mouthwashes.
Other Industries
Beyond food and pharma, dibasic calcium phosphate has additional applications in several other industries:
– Ceramics: Due to its high melting point, it acts as a flux for bonding other ceramic materials and glazes.
– Concrete: As a supplementary cementitious material, it contributes to the strength and pH control of concrete.
– Paints/coatings: It extends pigments in coatings, maintains alkalinity and improves the viscosity of paint formulations.
– Paper: Small amounts are added to improve the smoothness, printability and whiteness of paper products.
– Plastics: As a flame retardant mineral filler, it is used in the manufacturing of plastics like polyvinyl chloride.
Production and Supply
Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate is produced commercially via several routes. The most common involves the double decomposition reaction of calcium hydroxide with phosphoric acid at high temperatures. It is then processed into a fine powder. Being inexpensive and widely available, dibasic calcium phosphate finds suppliers in all major continents including North America, Europe and Asia. Many leading chemical companies offer food, pharma or technical grades of this compound.
Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate is a versatile mineral compound with diversified applications. Owing to properties like low solubility, pH buffering and reactivity, it proves useful as an excipient, nutrient, leavening agent and more. With a broad reach and affordable cost, dibasic calcium phosphate remains an important industrial ingredient with prominent uses in food, pharmaceutical, construction and other sectors. Its popularity and demand look set to continue in the foreseeable future.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Vaagisha Singh
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. LinkedIn
