Anhydrous Dibasic Calcium Phosphate: A Versatile Phosphate Mineral
Properties and Structure
Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, also known as anhydrous calcium hydrogenphosphate or monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM), has the chemical formula CaHPO4. It is a white crystalline powder that is odorless and poorly soluble in water. The mineral has a melting point of 1840°C and crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Its structure consists of isolated PO4 tetrahedra connected to calcium ions in a zigzag chain network. The calcium and phosphate ions are held together by ionic bonds giving the mineral its crystalline nature.
Sources and Production
Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate occurs naturally as the mineral monetite. It is found in phosphate rock deposits along with other phosphate minerals like fluorapatite. Commercially, it is produced synthetically by heating dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate (Brushite) at temperatures above 150°C to remove the water of crystallization from the dihydrate form. This thermal dehydration reaction yields anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate as the end product. The mineral is also manufactured on an industrial scale by reacting phosphoric acid with limestone at controlled pH levels.
Uses and Applications
Due to its calcium and phosphate content, Anhydrous Dibasic Calcium Phosphate has wide applications in various industries. Some major uses are:
- Food : It is used as a leavening agent in baked goods like bread, cakes and biscuits. As a nutritional supplement, it adds calcium and phosphorus to foods.
- Pharmaceuticals: The mineral is employed as an excipient in tablet formulations and as a calcium/phosphorus supplement in some medicines.
- Dentistry: Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate is present in dental cements, cavity liners, filling materials and root canal sealers due to its good setting properties.
- Fertilizers: As a calcium phosphate fertilizer, it is applied to soils deficient in these nutrients to enhance plant growth.
- Animal Feed: Used as a dietary calcium and phosphate source for poultry, livestock and aquaculture species.
Advantages as a Food/Pharma Additive
Some key benefits of using anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate as a functional additive in foods and pharmaceuticals include:
- Neutral pH and Solubility: Being poorly soluble in water and neutral in acidity, it has little effect on the overall pH of the product.
- Stability: The mineral displays excellent thermal and chemical stability preventing degradation during processing and storage.
- Functionality: It acts as an effective calcium and phosphate source, supporting bone/tooth health. Also aids leavening in baked goods.
- Toxicity: It has very low oral toxicity and the calcium/phosphate provide essential micronutrients.
- Compatibility: The mineral is compatible with most bases, acids and other functional additives permitting its broad usage.
- Economics: It offers functionality at lower costs in comparison to other calcium/phosphate salts.
Disadvantages and Safety
The hygroscopic nature of anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate requires careful storage. Exposure to moisture can convert it back to the dihydrate form. Risks are generally low but extended high dose intake may cause hypercalcemia. The occupational hazard is dust inhalation during mining/synthesis which is controlled by worker safety measures. Overall, no major health or environmental concerns exist for its applications within regulatory limits.
With unique crystal structure and advantageous chemical properties, it has gained wide acceptance as a source of calcium and phosphate. Its inert, non-reactive profile combined with cost-effectiveness makes it suitable for use across diverse domains from foods to pharmaceuticals. Continued research especially in novel engineered formulations is further expanding the scope and prominence of this versatile phosphate mineral.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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