Magnesium Phosphate is a name given to a group of salts which consist of the ions magnesium and phosphate in various proportions. Moreover, these salts have common use in the food industry. They are used as an acidity regulator. Learn magnesium phosphate formula here.
Formula and Structure
If we talk about the chemical structure of the Magnesium Phosphate, we see that it forms with the help of 1-3 magnesium cations Mg2+ and 1-2 phosphate ions HPO4–, PO43-. As the salts are normally hydrated, the structure of the same surrounds by numerous molecules of water. Further, the name of the main Magnesium Phosphate salts is said to be Monomagnesium phosphate (Mg (H2PO4)2, Dimagnesium phosphate MgHPO4 and Trimagnesium phosphate Mg3 (PO4)2). The molar mass of Monomagnesium phosphate is 120.28 g/mol whereas the molar mass of Dimagnesium phosphate is 218.28 g/mol. Finally, Trimagnesium phosphate’s molar mass is 262.85 g/mol.
The chemical structures of this can be written as the figure given below, in the common representations which we use for organic molecules:
Occurrence
These phosphate salts occur naturally. Moreover, they can be found in minerals. For instance, Dimagnesium phosphate is frequently found in its Trihydrate form as being a portion of newberyite, besite or natrophilite.
Preparation
One can easily prepare Magnesium Phosphate by precipitation. Further, it requires the solution of tribasic sodium phosphate and magnesium chloride:
Na3PO4 + 3 MgCl2 → 3 Na+ + 6Cl– + Mg3PO4
Nonetheless, if we talk about the most common reaction for producing Monomagnesium phosphate, it is with Magnesium Oxide and Phosphoric Acid.
MgO + H3PO4 → MgH2PO4 + H2O
Further, with Monomagnesium Phosphate salt, it may be formed with Dimagnesium phosphate salt and thus, phosphoric acid produces in the form of a side product.
Mg(H2PO4)2 + 3 H2O → Mg(HPO4).3H2O + H3PO4
Physical Properties
All the three, Monomagnesium, Dimagnesium and Trimagensium Phosphate salts are white in colour. It is present in the form of a crystalline power and does not have any odour. Further, the melting point of the Trimagnesium salt is 1184 ºC. It is insoluble in water. However, it is soluble in a saturated solution of NaCl.
Chemical Properties
Most of the phosphates salts are soluble in water, but the magnesium salts are insoluble. Thus, this is because of the cation magnesium uses in order to produce insoluble compounds. Further, the same is the case with Magnesium hydroxide or magnesium sulfate. Moreover, as the phosphate salts work fine as an acidity regulator, it is because the phosphate ion resists the change of pH in a solution.
Uses
The use of Magnesium Phosphate salts is commonly in the food industry. Further, it has common use as an acidity regulator. Moreover, it has also got uses in the agricultural field, which is in the form of fertilizer for the crops and soil conditioner.
Safety Hazards
The Food and Drug Administration of the United States has said registered Magnesium Phosphate as a safe ingredient.
Solved Question for You
Question-What is the colour of Magnesium Phosphate?
a) Blue
b) Green
c) White
d) Colourless
Answer- The correct answer is option C. It is white in colour.
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