Understanding Monosodium Phosphate and its Uses

White, crystalline monosodium phosphate is an inorganic sodium bound to a dihydrogen phosphate anion to form an anhydrous, monohydrate, or dihydrate compound. Industrial chemical supplier Bell Chem wants you to understand how monosodium phosphate is utilized throughout a variety of industries.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

In both human food and animal feed, monosodium phosphate acts as an emulsifier to ensure all ingredients are properly mixed, as in dairy products and meats; and as a thickening agent to increase viscosity, as in mixes. The ability for baking powder to leaven breads and other baked goods is due to monosodium phosphate. Also in baked goods, monosodium phosphate functions as a binder, reducing the amount of dietary phosphate absorbed in the body’s digestive system. When used as an ingredient in sauces, monosodium phosphate acts as a curing agent. 

IN LABORATORY SETTINGS 

Reagents analyze chemical reactions in chemical and biological experiments. Monosodium phosphate’s buffering capacity is extensive, allowing more accurate readings for biochemical, chromatographic, and molecular experiments. In biology, monosodium phosphate purifies IgM antibodies.

LEATHER AND TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Textile fibers absorb more dye in an acid bath when monosodium phosphate is added since it acts as a buffer in low pH settings. 

INDUSTRIAL CLEANERS

Many acidic cleaners require a pH buffer such as monosodium phosphate to create the best cleaning solution, especially in hard water. Because hard water does not penetrate as readily as soft water, adding monosodium phosphate reduces the chemical composition of the water, thereby increasing the potency of detergents.

IN BOILERS

Boilers are important components of many line systems, but are often corroded through a constant stream of caustic liquids. Monosodium phosphate buffers feedwater by controlling pH levels, chemically altering highly acidic or alkaline liquids.

Bell Chem is an industrial chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including monosodium phosphate. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.