Phosphoric Acid 85% - Technical Grade

Product Overview

Phosphoric Acid 85% - Technical Grade (Orthophosphoric Acid, H₃PO₄) is a clear, colorless liquid formulated for demanding industrial processes. This high-purity solution is optimized for fertilizer production, food processing support, and pH control in diverse chemical operations. The technical grade specification centers on precise acidity, low trace metal content, and a consistent assay range to ensure reproducible performance in downstream applications. The typical assay is 86.5% with a tolerance of 85–88%, verified by titration with standardized NaOH, and the product demonstrates low color (APHA/Hazen max 15, typical 8) to support sensitive downstream processes. Its density at 20°C is approximately 1.69 g/mL, providing predictable dosing and mixing characteristics across industrial equipment.

In addition to acidity regulation, this grade supports chemical synthesis and metal treatment workflows where controlled phosphate supply and purity are critical. The product is stable under proper storage, with controlled temperature and protection from light and moisture, ensuring consistent performance for batch manufacturing and continuous processing lines. It is suitable for use where ACS Reagent Grade compliance is desired, while noting that it is not intended for pharmaceutical (USP-NF) applications. The absence of heavy metals at specified levels minimizes catalyst and equipment contamination risks during production, reflecting our commitment to quality and reliability in industrial settings.

Key Properties

• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Chemical Formula: H₃PO₄
• Molecular Weight: 97.99 g/mol
• Boiling Point: 158 °C
• Specific Gravity (20°C): 1.69 (typical)
• Density (25°C): 1.685 g/mL
• pKa: 2.15 (monoprotic in water)
• Refractive Index (20°C): 1.335
• Residue After Ignition (ash, 550°C): Max 0.05% (typical 0.02%)
• Chloride (Cl⁻): Max 500 ppm (typical 200 ppm)
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻): Max 1000 ppm (typical 300 ppm)
• Ammonium (NH₄⁺): Max 50 ppm (typical 5 ppm)
• Sulfate (SO₄²⁻): Max 2000 ppm (typical 300 ppm)
• Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): Max 1500 ppm (typical 400 ppm)
• Arsenic (As): Max 0.5 ppm (typical 0.1 ppm)
• Heavy Metals (as Pb): Max 10 ppm (typical 2 ppm)
• Iron (Fe): Max 2 ppm (typical 0.5 ppm)
• Copper (Cu): Max 0.5 ppm (typical 0.1 ppm)
• Manganese (Mn): Max 0.5 ppm (typical 0.1 ppm)
• Nickel (Ni): Max 0.5 ppm (typical 0.1 ppm)
• Lead (Pb): Max 1 ppm (typical 0.2 ppm)
• Zinc (Zn): Max 5 ppm (typical 1 ppm)
• Aluminum (Al): Max 2 ppm (typical 0.5 ppm)
• Chromium (Cr): Max 2 ppm (typical 0.5 ppm)
• Cobalt (Co): Max 0.2 ppm (typical 0.05 ppm)
• Calcium (Ca): Max 3000 ppm (typical 1000 ppm)
• Magnesium (Mg): Max 2000 ppm (typical 700 ppm)
• Sodium (Na): Max 2000 ppm (typical 600 ppm)
• Potassium (K): Max 2000 ppm (typical 500 ppm)
• Substances Reducing Permanganate: Passes test (Potassium permanganate time test)
• Sulfurous Acid (H₂SO₃): Max 50 ppm (typical 10 ppm)

Common Applications

• Fertilizer Production: Key phosphate source for the synthesis of phosphate fertilizers, enabling efficient phosphorus availability in agronomic formulations.
• Food Additive: Used as an acidity regulator and flavoring agent in processed foods where controlled pH is critical.
• pH Adjustment: Preferred acidulant for adjusting pH in water treatment and industrial chemical processes to maintain process stability.
• Metal Treatment: Employed in metal surface preparation and passivation steps to improve adhesion and corrosion resistance.
• Chemical Synthesis: Reagent in the manufacture of phosphates and related phosphorus-containing chemicals in chemical processing plants.

Safety Precautions

Handle with proper PPE in a well-ventilated area or fume hood. Store in cool, dry conditions away from incompatible materials, preferably in HDPE or glass containers. Protect containers from light and moisture to preserve stability, and ensure adequate ventilation to prevent vapor accumulation. Use appropriate gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling to prevent skin and eye contact, as the material is corrosive and capable of causing severe burns.

In case of exposure, follow emergency procedures: for eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes and seek medical attention; for skin, remove contaminated clothing and rinse with water; for inhalation, move to fresh air and seek medical evaluation if symptoms occur; for ingestion, do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth and contact poison control or a physician. In events of spills, evacuate personnel, contain, and neutralize per SDS guidelines, with appropriate neutralizers and absorbents and waste disposal in accordance with local regulations. UN 1805 indicates proper transport requirements and classification as a corrosive material requiring careful handling during shipping and storage.

Benefits

✔ High Purity Technical Grade – Meets stringent assay and impurity specifications suitable for fertilizer production and chemical synthesis.
✔ Controlled Impurity Profile – Low heavy metals and trace contaminants to minimize process contamination and equipment wear.
✔ Reliable Density and Acidity – Consistent dosing characteristics across industrial dosing systems, ensuring process stability.
✔ Standards Alignment – ACS Reagent Grade compliant and clearly defined safety and handling data per SDS; not intended for pharmaceutical use.