Potassium metaphosphate

Chemical Properties

White powder.Soluble in dilute acids; slightly soluble in water.

Uses

Pharmaceutic aid (buffering agent).

Uses

Potassium Metaphosphate is a substitute for sodium phosphate in low-sodium foods. it also functions as a fermentation nutrient and buffer.

Definition

ChEBI: Potassium metaphosphate is a potassium salt of metaphosphoric acid. It has a role as a fertilizer, a buffer, a food emulsifier, a raising agent and a sequestrant. It is an inorganic phosphate and a potassium salt. It contains a trioxidophosphate(1-).

Agricultural Uses

Potassium metaphosphate is the salt of metaphosphoric acid. It is a readily available source of phosphorus and potassium to plants, and comprises 60% phosphorus and 40% potassium (K₂O). When pure, it contains almost 100% plant food. Potassium metaphosphate, K₆(PO₃)₆H₂O, is made by reacting phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) with potassium chloride (KCl) at a high temperature. It is slightly soluble in water and makes phosphate available after hydrolysis. Although slightly soluble in water, it is readily soluble in ammonium citrate solution.