Properties of Phosphoric Acid

The physical and chemical properties of Phosphoric Acid are described below:

Physical Properties of Phosphoric Acid

Some physical properties of the Phosphoric Acid are,

  • Appearance: Phosphoric Acid generally appears as a colourless, odorless, and viscous liquid with varying concentrations.
  • State: Pure Phosphoric Acid is a white crystalline solid and its concentrated form is a colourless liquid.
  • Melting Point: The melting point of Phosphoric Acid is 42.4° Celsius.
  • Boiling Point: The boiling point of Phosphoric Acid is around 407° Celsius.
  • Nature: Phosphoric acid is a weak acid that is non-toxic and non-volatile.
  • Molecular weight: The molecular weight of Phosphoric Acid is 97.99 g/mol.
  • Solubility: Phosphoric Acid being a viscous liquid is highly soluble in water and alcohol.
  • Density: Phosphoric Acid has a density of around 1.6845 grams per cubic centimeter (at 25° C and 85% concentration).

Chemical Properties of Phosphoric Acid

Some Chemical Properties of Phosphoric Acid are,

  • Triprotic Acid: Phosphoric Acid is a triprotic acid that can easily donate three hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.

H3PO4 + H2O ⇋ 3H+ + PO43-

  • Heat Action: On heating, phosphoric acid can form dimers, trimers, and long polymeric chains like polyphosphoric acids and meta-phosphoric acids.
  • ​Reducing Agent: Phosphoric Acid can act as a reducing agent that can undergo dehydration reactions to form different phosphorus compounds.
  • Reaction with bases: When Phosphoric Acid reacts with the base it undergoes a neutralization reaction which results in the formation of three types of salt.

​Phosphoric Acid reaction with Sodium Hydroxide

Its reaction with sodium hydroxide results in the formation of three types of salts namely Na2HPO4, NaH2PO4, and Na3PO4. One of the reaction equation is given below:

NaOH + H3PO4 → NaH2PO4 + H2O

Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid is a colorless, odorless, inorganic compound. It is mainly found as an aqueous solution with a concentration of about 85%. It is represented by the chemical formula H3PO4. It is extensively used in distinct fields. Its applications include its usage in manufacturing fertilizers, various pharmaceutical products, skin care products, and much more.

In this article, we will do an in-depth study of Phosphoric acids, their properties, their usage, and others in detail.

Table of Content

  • What is Phosphoric Acid?
  • Structure of Phosphoric Acid
  • Preparation of Phosphoric Acid
  • Types of Phosphoric Acid
  • Properties of Phosphoric Acid
  • Uses of Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric Acid Overview

IUPAC Name

Ortho Phosphoric Acid

Chemical Formula

H3PO4

Molar Mass

97.99 g/mol

Melting Point

42.4 °C OR 108.3 °F OR 315.5 K

Boiling Point

407 °C OR 765 °F OR 680 K

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Phosphoric acid is a weak inorganic acid which is colorless and odorless. It is generally found in a liquid state with a concentration of not more than 85%. It is found as a white solid crystal solid in its pure form. The IUPAC name of Phosphoric Acid is orthophosphoric acid....

Phosphoric Acid Structure

Phosphoric acid is represented as H3PO4 or PO-(OH)3. The structure of Phosphoric Acid consists of three hydroxyl groups (-OH), each single-bonded with the central phosphorus atom (P) and one oxygen atom which is in double-bond with the central available phosphorus atom (P). The structure of Phosphoric acid is illustrated below:...

Lewis Structure of Phosphoric Acid

In the Lewis structure, the bonded electrons are shown with a solid line, and non-bonded electrons are shown with the dots. The structure of phosphoric acid consists of one oxygen atom, one phosphorus atom, and three hydroxyl group (-OH). The Lewis structure of Phosphoric Acid is shown below:...

Preparation of Phosphoric Acid

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Types of Phosphoric Acid

The types of Phosphoric acid is given below:...

Properties of Phosphoric Acid

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Phosphoric Acid Acidity

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Phosphates: Salts of Phosphoric Acid

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Uses of Phosphoric Acid

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Health Hazards of Phosphoric Acid

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Phosphoric Acid – Summary

IUPAC Name Ortho Phosphoric Acid Chemical Formula H3PO4 Melting Point 42.4 °C Boiling Point 407 °C Molecular Weight 97.99 g/mol Equivalent Weight 49 g/mol Appearance Colourless liquid Odor Odorless pKa value pKa1 = 2.15 pKa2 = 7.20 pKa3 = 12.35 Density 1.6845 g/cm3...

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1. What happens when H3PO4 reacts with NaOH?...