Pentasodium Triphosphate
Other names: Pentasodium triphosphate
Harm score: 3 (Harmless chemicals)
Pentasodium Triphosphate, otherwise known as Pentasodium Triphosphate, is a substance that finds abundant use in industry. It is the sodium salt of phosphoric acid, chemical formula Na5P3O10, which is synthesized from phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide. This substance does not occur in nature and can therefore only be produced industrially. Pentasodium Triphosphate is a white crystalline powder.
Its main field of application is the laundry and cleaning industry, where pentasodium triphosphate is used as a basic ingredient in washing powder. It improves the efficiency of the powder by being able to remove calcium deposits and improving the interaction between water and fabrics. In addition, the substance is also used in a number of other industrial products such as ceramics, glass and paper. In the food industry, it is used as an additive with the designation E451i for acidity control and as a stabiliser. It can thus be found in many products, including cheese, sausages and ice cream.