Tripotassium Phosphate (E340(iii))

Brief Overview Tripotassium phosphate, also recognized as tribasic potassium phosphate, presents itself as a deliquescent white powder. This water-soluble ionic salt exhibits slight hygroscopic characteristics and is accessible in hydrated states as a monohydrate and dihydrate. Employed as a food additive, tripotassium phosphate serves as an emulsifier, foaming agent, and whipping agent. Caution is advised in its usage for individuals with low calcium levels or elevated levels of potassium or phosphorus. Manufacturing Process Tripotassium phosphate can be synthesized by the reaction between ammonium phosphate and potassium chloride: (NH4)3PO4 + 3KCl → K3PO4 + 3NH4Cl An alternative production method involves a two-step process: 1. Wet phosphoric acid undergoes ultrasonication in an ultrasonic reactor at temperatures ranging from 2 to 80 °C, with a reaction time spanning 10 to 120 minutes. 2. The resulting product is cooled to room temperature, and precipitates are leached, yielding a filter liquor. To adjust the pH of the filter liquor and induce the formation of precipitates, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, or potassium bicarbonate is employed. Subsequently, the new filter liquor undergoes concentration, evaporation, crystallization, and separation processes to obtain potassium phosphate.