Uses
Chlorinated trisodium phosphate [11084-85-8] is a crystalline complex of hydrated trisodium orthophosphate and sodium hypochlorite that releases hypochlorite when mixed with water. Its formula is (Na3P04-llH20)4-NaOCl. Commercial products have 3.5-3.7% available chlorine. They are probably a mixture of phosphate salts, and they contain some sodium chloride.
The use of chlorinated trisodium phosphate is declining. It has been largely replaced by chlorinated isocyanurates in powdered abrasive cleansers and automatic dishwash detergents to reduce cost, improve performance, or comply with restrictions on the use of phosphates. Some chlorinated trisodium phosphate is still used in commercial laundries and in disinfectant cleaners.
General Description
White crystalline solid or powder.
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
tridecasodium hypochloritetetrakis(phosphate), corrode aluminum and zinc [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980 p. 947]. Reacts when heated above about 84°C with aqueous solutions of reducing sugars other than sucrose, to evolve toxic levels of carbon monoxide [Bretherick, 5th Ed., 1995].
Fire Hazard
Flash point data for tridecasodium hypochloritetetrakis(phosphate) are not available. tridecasodium hypochloritetetrakis(phosphate) is probably combustible.
