Sodium pyrophosphate, also called Tetrasodium pyrophosphate or TSPP is used in the laboratory as a buffering agent. The compound has been shown to be useful in the preparation of an EDTA-sodium pyrophosphate extraction buffer for microcystin analysis of soil samples.
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is an odorless, white powder or granules. It is used in water softener, buffering agent, thickening agent, dispersing agent, wool de-fatting agent, metal cleaner, soap and synthetic detergent builder, general sequestering agent, in electrodeposition of metals. It also acts as a tartar control agent in toothpaste and dental floss. In addition, it is used as a chelating agent in antimicrobial studies. It is also used as a food additive in common foods such as chicken nuggets, crab meat and canned tuna.
