Dipotassium phosphate
Dipotassium phosphate (also dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate or potassium phosphate dibasic) is the inorganic compound with the formula K2HPO4.(H2O)x (x = 0, 3, 6). Together with monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4.(H2O)x), it is often used as a fertilizer, food additive, and buffering agent.[1] It is a white or colorless solid that is soluble in water.
It is produced commercially by partial neutralization of phosphoric acid with two equivalents of potassium chloride:[1]
- H3PO4 + 2 KCl → K2HPO4 + 2 HCl
Uses
As a food additive, dipotassium phosphate is used in imitation dairy creamers, dry powder beverages, mineral supplements, and starter cultures.[2] It functions as an emulsifier, stabilizer and texturizer; it is also a buffering agent, and chelating agent especially for the calcium in milk products.[3]
As a food additive, dipotassium phosphate is generally recognized as safe by the United States Food and Drug Administration,[4] and is commonly used (in conjunction with other inorganic salts) to add taste to bottled water.[5]