Phosphoric or phosphoric acid was discovered by R. Boyle by dissolving the white matter formed as a result of the burning of phosphorus in water. Phosphoric acid (chemical formula H3PO4) refers to inorganic acids and, under ordinary conditions, in its pure form, is represented by colorless crystals of a rhombic form. These crystals are sufficiently hygroscopic, do not have a specific color, easily dissolve in water and in many different solvents.
The main fields of
application of phosphoric acid :
- organic synthesis;
- food and reactive acid production;
- production of phosphoric salts of calcium, sodium, ammonium, aluminum, manganese;
- the medicine;
- fertilizer production
- metal industry;
- film production;
- activated carbon production;
- oil industry ;
- production of refractory materials ;
- production of detergents;
- match production.
Orthophosphoric acid is of great importance for plant nutrition. They need phosphorus to form fruits and seeds. Phosphorus fertilizers increase crop yields. Plants become frost-resistant and resistant to adverse conditions. Having an effect on the soil, fertilizers contribute to its structuring, inhibit the formation of harmful organic substances, and favor the development of beneficial soil bacteria.
Animals also need phosphoric acid derivatives. In combination with various organic substances, it takes part in the metabolism. In most animals, bones, shells, needles, teeth, spikes, and claws are composed of calcium phosphate. Derivatives of phosphorus are found in the blood, brain, in the connective and muscle tissues of the human body.
Phosphoric acid is also used in industry. Wood, after impregnation with acid and its compounds, becomes non-combustible. Due to such
properties of the acid, the production of fire-retardant paints, non-combustible phosphate polystyrene, non-combustible phospho-wood boards and other building materials has been established on its basis.
If it gets on the skin, phosphoric acid causes burns, in case of acute poisoning - vomiting, headache, dizziness, shortness of breath. When inhaled, its vapors irritate the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and cause coughing.
Phosphoric acid is a food supplement, which is assigned the code E338, which is part of drinks based on flavorings. It is also used in the production of meat and sausage products, processed cheeses, in sugar production and baking.
It is completely useless to abuse
carbonated drinks that contain phosphoric acid. The harm that it causes to humans is to increase the acidity of the body and disrupt the acid-base balance. The "acidification" of the body is a very favorable environment for various bacteria and the process of decay. The body begins to neutralize the acid with calcium, which is borrowed from bones and teeth. All this leads to the development of dental caries, fragility of bone tissue. The risk of bone fractures increases, early osteoporosis develops. Due to the excessive consumption of E338 in food, the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is disrupted. The daily dose for human consumption has not been clarified.