Phosphate

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A phosphate is chemical derivative of phosphoric acid. The phosphate ion, (PO3−
4
), is an inorganic chemical, the conjugate base that can form many different salts. In organic chemistry, a phosphate, or organophosphate, is an ester of phosphoric acid.

Properties

With the exception of alkali metal phosphates and ammonium phoshphates, phosphate salts are generally not soluble in water at standard temperature and pressure.

As a rule, the hydrogen and dihydrogen phosphates are slightly more soluble than the corresponding phosphates. Aqueous phosphate exists in four forms:

  • In strongly basic conditions, the phosphate ion (PO3−
    4
    ) predominates,
  • In weakly basic conditions, the hydrogen phosphate ion (HPO2−
    4
    ) is prevalent.
  • In weakly acidic conditions, the dihydrogen phosphate ion (H
    2
    PO
    4
    ) is most common.
  • In strongly acidic conditions, trihydrogen phosphate (H
    3
    PO
    4
    ) is the main form.

Availability

Phosphates are readily available as fertilizer.

Phosphoric acid is sold in hardware stores as rust remover.

Handling and safety

Inorganic phosphates are generally non-toxic.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads