Tricalcium phosphate (TCP), also known as calcium phosphate tribasic, is a calcium salt of phosphoric acid with the chemical formula Ca3(PO4)2. It is a white solid that is insoluble in water but soluble in dilute acids. TCP is found in nature as a rock in the form of whitlockite. It has several applications across various industries due to its properties and benefits. Here are some key specifications and uses of tricalcium phosphate:
Specifications:
- Chemical Formula: Ca3(PO4)2
- Molar Mass: 310.18 g/mol
- Appearance: White powder
- Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in dilute acids
- Density: 3.14 g/cm³
- Melting Point: Decomposes at high temperatures
- pH: Basic (pH > 7)
Uses:
- Food Additive: TCP is used as an anti-caking agent, stabilizer, and nutritional supplement in food and beverages.
- Pharmaceuticals: It is used in the production of tablets and capsules as a filler and binder in pharmaceutical formulations.
- Animal Feed: TCP is added to animal feed as a source of calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals for animal health and growth.
- Fertilizers: It is used in fertilizers to provide plants with calcium and phosphorus, promoting healthy plant growth.
- Dentistry: TCP is used in dental materials, such as dental cements and bone grafts, due to its biocompatibility and ability to promote bone growth.
- Industrial Applications: TCP is used in various industrial processes, such as ceramics, plastics, and textiles, as a filler and whitening agent.
In conclusion, tricalcium phosphate is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications in food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial sectors, making it a valuable and useful material in various fields.
More Informations
Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is a calcium salt of phosphoric acid with the chemical formula Ca3(PO4)2. It is one of the most widely used compounds of calcium and phosphorus, both of which are essential minerals for the human body. TCP occurs naturally in several forms, including whitlockite, which is found in bones and teeth.
Properties:
- Physical Form: TCP is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder.
- Solubility: It is insoluble in water and ethanol but soluble in diluted acids.
- Stability: TCP is stable under normal conditions but decomposes at high temperatures, losing water and forming calcium pyrophosphate.
- Density: The density of TCP is approximately 3.14 g/cm³.
- Crystal Structure: TCP has a crystal structure similar to hydroxyapatite, which is the mineral component of bones and teeth.
Uses:
- Food Industry: TCP is used as a food additive, primarily as an anti-caking agent in powdered products. It is also used as a calcium supplement in beverages and dairy products.
- Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, TCP is used as an excipient in tablet formulations. It acts as a binder, filler, and disintegrant in tablets and capsules.
- Animal Feed: TCP is added to animal feed as a source of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for bone formation and overall health in animals.
- Fertilizers: In agriculture, TCP is used as a fertilizer to provide plants with calcium and phosphorus, promoting healthy plant growth and development.
- Dentistry: TCP is used in dental materials, such as dental cements and bone grafts, due to its biocompatibility and ability to promote bone growth.
- Industrial Applications: TCP is used in various industrial processes, such as ceramics, plastics, and textiles, as a filler and whitening agent.
Health and Safety:
- TCP is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices.
- However, excessive intake of TCP as a dietary supplement may lead to hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels in the blood) and other adverse effects.
- In industrial settings, appropriate safety measures should be followed to minimize exposure to TCP dust, which may irritate the respiratory system.
In summary, tricalcium phosphate is a versatile compound with a wide range of applications in various industries. Its unique properties make it valuable in food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications, contributing to its widespread use and importance in modern society.