Phosphoric or orthophosphoric acid was discovered by R. Boyle by dissolving the white matter formed as a result of the combustion of phosphorus in water. Orthophosphoric acid (chemical formula H3PO4) refers to inorganic acids and under normal conditions, in its pure form, is represented by colorless rhombic crystals. These crystals are quite hygroscopic, have no definite color, and readily dissolve in water and many different solvents.
Main applications of phosphoric acid:
- organic synthesis;
- production of food and reactive acids;
- production of phosphate s alts of calcium, sodium, ammonium, aluminum, manganese;
- medicine;
- fertilizer production
- metal industry;
- film production;
- activated carbon production;
- oil industry;
- production of refractory materials;
- production of detergents;
- match production.
Large orthophosphoric valueacid has to feed plants. They need phosphorus to form fruits and seeds. Phosphate fertilizers increase crop yields. Plants become frost-resistant and resistant to adverse conditions. By affecting the soil, fertilizers contribute to its structuring, inhibit the formation of harmful organic substances, and favor the development of beneficial soil bacteria.
Animals also need orthophosphoric acid derivatives. In combination with various organic substances, it takes part in the metabolic process. In most animals, bones, shells, needles, teeth, spikes, and claws are composed of calcium phosphate. Phosphorus derivatives are found in the blood, brain, connective and muscle tissues of the human body.
Orthophosphoric acid has also found application in industry. Wood, after impregnation with acid and its compounds, becomes non-combustible. Due to these properties of the acid, it has been used in the production of flame retardant paints, flame retardant phosphate foam, flame retardant phosphorus wood boards and other building materials.
If it comes into contact with the skin, phosphoric acid causes burns, in case of acute poisoning - vomiting, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath. Its vapors, when inhaled, irritate the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and cause coughing.
Orthophosphoric acid is a food additive, which is assigned the code E338, which is part of drinks based on flavorings. It is also used in productionmeat and sausage products, processed cheeses, sugar-making and bread-baking.
Abuse of carbonated drinks containing phosphoric acid is absolutely unhe althy. The harm that it causes to a person is to increase the acidity of the body and disrupt the acid-base balance. "Acidification" of the body is a very favorable environment for various bacteria and the process of decay. The body begins to neutralize the acid with the help of calcium, which is borrowed from bones and teeth. All this leads to the development of dental caries, bone fragility. The risk of bone fractures increases, early osteoporosis develops. Due to the excessive consumption of E338 in food, the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted. The daily dose for human consumption has not been established.
