efflorescent; tricl-rhomb prisms [MER06]
Sodium Trimetaphosphate works as the crosslinking agent in the cross-linked amylase-resistant starch.
Sodium trimetaphosphate, Na3[P3O9], is the most stable compound of this group of reagents. The hydrated form of sodium trimetaphosphate contains 6 or 10 molecules of water of crystallization. Commercial production is obtained by heating NaPO3 at 525 °C.
Poison by intravenous route. Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of POx and Na2O. See also PHOSPHATES.
It is precipitated from an aqueous solution at 40o by adding EtOH. It is dried in air.
