Sodium phosphate facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Sodium phosphate is a group of chemical compounds. The phosphate atom can hold three other atoms. They can be three hydrogen (phosphoric acid), two hydrogen and one sodium(sodium dihydrogen phosphate), one hydrogen and two sodium (disodium hydrogen phosphate), or three sodium (trisodium phosphate).

Sodium dihydrogen phosphate
Disodium hydrogen phosphate
Trisodium phosphate
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Sodium dihydrogen phosphate

Sodium dihydrogen phosphate, also known as monosodium phosphate, is a chemical compound with the formula NaH₂PO₄. It is acidic. It is used in some baking powders. It is used as a laxative or a pH buffer (something that keeps a chemical from getting more acidic or basic). It is made by reaction of a little sodium hydroxide with phosphoric acid.

Disodium hydrogen phosphate

Disodium hydrogen phosphate, also known as disodium phosphate is a chemical compound with the formula Na₂HPO₄. It is about neutral (not acidic or basic). It is used to prevent clumping in foods. It is made by reaction of some sodium hydroxide with phosphorus.

Trisodium phosphate

Trisodium phosphate, also known as sodium phosphate, is a chemical compound with the formula Na₃PO₄. It is basic. It formerly was used in detergents, but the phosphate fueled algal blooms. It is made by combining sodium hydroxide and phosphoric acid.