Monosodium phosphate (MSP) has a variety of aliases, including monosodium orthophosphate, sodium acid phosphate, sodium biphosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium phosphate monobasic, NaH2PO4, and H2NaO4P. Generally packaged as a white granular solid or powder, MSP acts as an acid regulator, nutrient supplement, and sequestrant. Read more about monosodium phosphate from your food ingredient supplier, Bell Chem. 

Monosodium phosphate is a water soluble white powder derived from phosphoric acid as a sodium salt. Its main uses include as an emulsifier and a buffering agent. In these capacities, it is often utilized in the following industries. 

Agriculture 

Animal feed often contains MSP as an ingredient because it provides large and domestic animals an inexpensive source of sodium and phosphorus, two important chemicals that regulate the body. Granular monosodium phosphate acts as a crop fertilizer proving plants need these ingredients as much as animals.

Chemical industry

With its superior buffering ability, monosodium phosphate is found in millions of labs as a biological, biochemical, and chromatographic reagent.

Food and beverage

When the pH levels in food are too basic or acidic, chemical processes do not perform as intended. This can lead to idiosyncrasies ranging from odd tastes to microbial growth. Monosodium phosphate adjusts the pH of products by acting as a buffer, which increases shelf life. In dairy products, monosodium phosphate increases the solubility of proteins, sequesters calcium ions to capture water molecules, and increases fat emulsification. 

Many dry mixes contain monosodium phosphate as a thickener, adding viscosity to stews and instant potatoes. As a salt, MSP is used as a cure for dried meats; surprisingly, it also sequesters water to maintain moisture within the meats as it deters spoilage through microbial growth. Much like baking soda or yeast, monosodium phosphate is a leavening agent, producing a gas inside baked goods to make dough rise. 

Industrial cleaning

Monosodium phosphate acts as a cleaning detergent in many industrial chemical cleaners. 

Textile manufacturing

In textiles, monosodium phosphate buffers acidic conditions to increase reactions of acid dyeing of fibers as well as dye printing. 

Metal surfaces coated with monosodium phosphate form an insoluble metal phosphate which deters corrosion, protects the finish, improves metal hardness, and increases electrical properties. If a metal surface is to be painted, monosodium phosphate increases the adhesion of paint.

Water treatment

Its ability to buffer gives monosodium phosphate a starring role in water treatment as a corrosion controller. When it is paired with polyphosphates, it also obstructs scale formation. Other water treatment chemicals are based directly from monosodium phosphate. 

Bell Chem is a food ingredient 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.