Product of the Month January: Metaphosphoric acid

Metaphosphoric acid is an inorganic acid. It is known for its hygroscopic properties. Here you can learn more about the properties, applications and safety aspects of meta-phosphoric acid as a laboratory chemical.

Properties of Metaphosphoric acid

Metaphosphoric acid is a colorless, glassy substance that is solid at room temperature. It is highly soluble in water and forms a viscous solution. Their chemical structure consists of a chain of phosphorus and oxygen atoms that are stabilized by hydrogen bonds.

Metaphosphoric acid as a laboratory chemical

1. Catalyst in chemical reactions: Metaphosphoric acid is widely used as a catalyst in organic syntheses. It accelerates reactions without being consumed itself. An example of this is the esterification of carboxylic acids with alcohols.

2. Desiccant: Thanks to its hygroscopic properties, metaphosphoric acid is used as a desiccant. It can draw moisture from gases and liquids, which is useful in many analytical procedures.

3. Buffer solution: In analytical chemistry, metaphosphoric acid is mainly used for the preparation of buffer solutions. Buffer solutions are important to keep the pH constant in chemical reactions.

4. Caustic: In materials science, metaphosphoric acid is used as an etching agent, for example to process the surfaces of metals and semiconductors.

Our customers also use metaphosphoric acid

• in food analysis for the determination of vitamins,
• in biochemistry, for the precipitation of protein in biological fluids such as blood and urine,
• in the veterinary field for the determination of urea in bovine blood, and
• in the pharmaceutical industry as an additive in the production of diagnostic test strips.

Wear appropriate protective equipment

There are a few precautions to be taken when handling metaphosphoric acid . It is highly corrosive and can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Appropriate protective equipment should be worn when using it. In addition, the work area should be well ventilated.

→ We would be happy to advise you personally on this product and look forward to your inquiry.