Chemical laboratory

Phosphoric Acid Food

Food-Grade Acidulant for pH Control and Processing

  • CAS 7664-38-2
  • Formula H₃PO₄
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 1.685 g/cm³ (85% solution)
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 158 °C (85% solution) °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 1.685 g/cm³ (85% solution) g/cm³
Solubility Miscible with water -
Ph < 1 (1 M solution) -
Molecular weight 98.00 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 42.35°C (pure) °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance Clear, colorless, viscous liquid -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density 3.4 (air = 1) g/cm³

Overview

Phosphoric Acid Food (H₃PO₄) is a high-purity, food-grade inorganic acid that appears as a clear, colorless, and odorless viscous liquid. With a molecular weight of 98.00 g/mol and CAS number 7664-38-2, this essential chemical compound is widely used across food and beverage industries for pH adjustment and acidification processes. Our food-grade phosphoric acid meets stringent quality standards for direct food contact applications while maintaining the versatility needed for industrial processes.

Key Applications

  • Food and Beverage Production: Primary use as a pH adjuster and acidulant in soft drinks, processed foods, and dairy products, providing the characteristic tart flavor in cola beverages
  • Metal Treatment and Rust Removal: Effective etching agent and rust converter for metal surface preparation, creating phosphate coatings that improve paint adhesion
  • Fertilizer Manufacturing: Critical component in producing phosphate fertilizers, contributing essential phosphorus nutrients for agricultural applications
  • Laboratory and Industrial Cleaning: Versatile cleaning agent and laboratory reagent for analytical procedures and equipment maintenance

Safety & Handling

Phosphoric Acid Food is non-flammable with no flash point or autoignition temperature, making it safer to handle than many industrial chemicals. However, proper safety protocols are essential due to its highly acidic nature (pH < 1 in 1M solution). Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation when handling, as the vapor density is 3.4 times heavier than air. In case of skin or eye contact, flush immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store Phosphoric Acid Food in corrosion-resistant containers such as stainless steel, polyethylene, or glass in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Avoid contact with metals, strong bases, and organic materials. The product has excellent stability when stored properly, with minimal degradation over extended periods. Maintain storage temperatures below the boiling point of 158°C for 85% solutions and protect from freezing to prevent concentration changes.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers reliable Phosphoric Acid Food with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS for smaller quantities and LTL/FTL freight for bulk orders. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance. Our technical support team provides expert guidance for your specific application needs, backed by our commitment to quality and customer service.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

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Select your state for local shipping times, industry applications, and ordering details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is phosphoric acid (food) and what is it used for?
Phosphoric Acid Food (H3PO4, CAS 7664-38-2) is a clear, colorless inorganic acid sold in food-grade concentrations for industrial and laboratory use. It is used as an acidulant, pH adjuster, corrosion inhibitor precursor, and reagent in processes across chemical manufacturing, water treatment, metal finishing and laboratory applications.
How should I store phosphoric acid and what is its shelf life?
Store tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area away from incompatible materials and direct sunlight; keep on secondary containment to control leaks. Typical unopened shelf life is 12–24 months depending on storage conditions and supplier specifications, so check the certificate of analysis (COA) for exact expiry.
What safety precautions are required when handling phosphoric acid?
Phosphoric acid is corrosive — use chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, face shield and acid-resistant clothing, and work in a ventilated area or fume hood to avoid inhalation. Avoid contact with skin and eyes; in case of contact, flush with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists, and follow the product SDS for emergency measures.
What is the difference between 85% and 75% concentrations of phosphoric acid?
85% is a higher-assay, more viscous and more corrosive concentration used where strong acidity or concentrated reagent is required, while 75% is less concentrated and easier to handle or dilute. Choice depends on process requirements, required neutralization/dilution volumes and material compatibility.
What documentation do you provide with food-grade phosphoric acid?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and transport documents; food-grade lots can be accompanied by certificates of compliance (e.g., FCC or equivalent) on request. Regulatory and quality documents are issued per customer and shipment requirements.
How is phosphoric acid shipped and what packaging options are available?
Phosphoric acid is shipped as a corrosive material (UN 1805, Class 8) and requires appropriate placarding and documentation; common packaging includes HDPE drums, lined steel drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and bulk tankers. Packaging and fill materials are selected to resist corrosion and meet transport regulations.
Which materials are compatible or incompatible with phosphoric acid?
Compatible materials include stainless steels (e.g., 304/316 for many concentrations), glass, PTFE, polypropylene and HDPE; compatibility depends on concentration and temperature. Avoid carbon steel, aluminum, zinc, copper and galvanized surfaces for concentrated solutions, as these can corrode or react.
What are the key technical specifications for food-grade phosphoric acid?
Key specs include CAS 7664-38-2, formula H3PO4, appearance as a clear, colorless to slightly viscous liquid and offered assays of 75% and 85% w/w. Exact impurity limits, specific gravity and assay tolerances are provided on the COA and technical datasheet for each lot.
Which industries and applications commonly use food-grade phosphoric acid?
Common industries include chemical manufacturing, water treatment, metal finishing, detergent and cleaning product formulation, food processing (with certified food-grade material), and laboratory/research settings. Typical uses are pH adjustment, scale control, surface preparation and as a reagent in analytical methods.
How can I purchase phosphoric acid (food) and what are typical lead times?
Contact your supplier or distributor with required concentration, quantity and packaging; suppliers can provide quotes, COA and compliance documentation on request. Lead times vary by location and order size but are typically days to a few weeks; larger or specialized food-grade batches may require longer lead times and minimum order quantities.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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