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Calcium polyphosphate is an inorganic polymeric phosphate compound composed of repeating phosphate (PO₃⁻) units combined with calcium ions.
Calcium polyphosphates general formula can be represented as (Ca(PO₃)₂)ₙ, reflecting its chain-like polyphosphate structure.
Calcium polyphosphate belongs to the family of condensed phosphates formed by dehydration of orthophosphates at elevated temperatures.
CAS Number: 7758-87-4
Molecular Formula: Ca3O8P2
Molecular Weight: 310.18
EINECS Number: 231-840-8
Synonyms: Calcium polyphosphate, Calcium metaphosphateCalcium polymetaphosphate, RefChem:573552, APATITE TTCP, MONOCLINIC;calcium phosphate，tertiary;tricalcium phosphate for technical grade;bonarka;calcigenolsimple;calciumorthophosphate,tri-(tert);calciumphosphate(3:2);calciumphosphate(ca3(po4)2)
Calcium polyphosphate is typically a white to off-white solid material.
Calcium polyphosphate is insoluble or only slightly soluble in water, depending on chain length and preparation method.
Its physical properties vary with the degree of polymerization and structural arrangement.
Calcium polyphosphate chains consist of phosphate tetrahedra linked by P–O–P bonds.
Calcium ions act as charge-balancing cations and influence the material’s stability and solubility.
The polymeric nature distinguishes calcium polyphosphate from simple calcium orthophosphate salts.
Calcium polyphosphate is produced by thermal condensation of calcium phosphate compounds.
Controlled heating removes water molecules and promotes formation of linear or cyclic polyphosphate chains.
Processing conditions determine molecular weight and material characteristics.
Calcium polyphosphate is of interest in materials science and biomaterials research.
Its bioactivity and controlled degradation behavior make it relevant for bone-related applications.
It also plays a role in ceramic and glass formulations due to its thermal stability.
Calcium polyphosphate is the calcium salt of phosphoric acid with widely used applications.
Calcium polyphosphate occur abundantly in nature in several forms and are the principal minerals for the production of phosphate fertilizers and for a range of phosphorus compounds.
For example, the tribasic variety (precipitated calcium phosphate), Ca3(PO4)2, is the principal inorganic constituent of bone ash.
The acid salt Ca(H2PO4)2, produced by treating mineral phosphates with sulfuric acid, is employed as a plant food and stabilizer for plastics.
Calcium polyphosphate is a natural constituent of mammals, and it is a component of bone replacement transplants in much higher amounts with no toxicological problems.
Calcium polyphosphates are the largest group of artificial bone graft substitutes.
This is mainly due to their close resemblance to the mineral components of bone.
Calcium polyphosphate can be used as a countermeasure for exposure to strontium and radium radionuclides.
Upon oral uptake, calcium phosphate competes for and blocks the absorption of radium (Ra-226) and strontium (Sr-90) in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
The term calcium phosphate refers to a family of materials and minerals containing calcium ions (Ca2+) together with inorganic phosphate anions.
Some so-called calcium phosphates contain oxide and hydroxide as well.
Calcium phosphates are white solids of nutritional value and are found in many living organisms, e.g., bone mineral and tooth enamel.
In milk, it exists in a colloidal form in micelles bound to casein protein with magnesium, zinc, and citrate–collectively referred to as colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP).
Various calcium phosphate minerals, which often are not white owing to impurities, are used in the production of phosphoric acid and fertilizers.
Overuse of certain forms of calcium phosphate can lead to nutrient-containing surface runoff and subsequent adverse effects upon receiving waters such as algal blooms and eutrophication (over-enrichment with nutrients and minerals).
Melting point: 1670 °C
Density: 3.14 g/cm³
Refractive index: 1.63
FEMA: 3081 | Tricalcium phosphate
Storage temperature: Room temperature
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; dissolves in dilute hydrochloric acid and dilute nitric acid
Form: Aqueous suspension
Color: White
pH: 6–8 (50 g/L, H₂O, 20 °C) suspension
Odor: Odorless
Water solubility: 0.1 g/L (25 °C)
Merck: 13,1699
Solubility product constant (Ksp): pKsp 28.68
Cosmetics ingredients functions: Oral care, abrasive, anticaking, fragrance, opacifying
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): Calcium phosphate (7758-87-4)
InChI: 1S/3Ca.2H3O4P/c;;;21-5(2,3)4/h;;;2(H3,1,2,3,4)/q3*+2;;/p-6
InChIKey: QORWJWZARLRLPR-UHFFFAOYSA-H
SMILES: [Ca+2].[Ca+2].[Ca+2].P
([O-])([O-])[O-].P
([O-])([O-])[O-]
LogP: −2.15
Calcium polyphosphate, also known as tricalcium phosphate, is a white or almost white powder that is insoluble in water.
Calcium polyphosphate reacts with silicon oxide and carbon at electric furnace temperatures to yield phosphorus vapor.
When reacted with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), it forms different products depending on the proportions used: phosphoric acid, dicalcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO₄, a white insoluble solid), or calcium dihydrogen phosphate (Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O, a white soluble solid).
Calcium polyphosphates solubility product constant (Ksp) is 28.70.
Calcium polyphosphate exhibits varying structural forms depending on synthesis temperature and cooling rate.
It may exist in amorphous, glassy, or partially crystalline states.
These structural differences strongly influence mechanical strength and dissolution behavior.
In aqueous environments, calcium polyphosphate can slowly hydrolyze back to orthophosphate.
The hydrolysis rate depends on pH, temperature, and chain length.
This gradual degradation is important in applications requiring controlled phosphate release.
From a materials chemistry perspective, calcium polyphosphate forms stable phosphate networks through P–O–P linkages.
These linkages provide thermal resistance and chemical stability under moderate conditions.
As a result, it is studied in phosphate-based glass and ceramic systems.
In biomaterials research, calcium polyphosphate is investigated for its bioresorbability.
Calcium polyphosphate can degrade in physiological environments, releasing calcium and phosphate ions.
These ions are essential for bone mineralization and tissue regeneration.
Calcium polyphosphate also demonstrates ion-exchange capacity.
Calcium ions within the structure can interact with other metal ions under certain conditions.
This property has been explored in environmental and catalytic studies.
In agriculture and fertilizer science, polyphosphates serve as controlled-release phosphorus sources.
Calcium polyphosphate can gradually convert to plant-available phosphate in soil.
This slow transformation helps improve nutrient efficiency and reduce leaching.
Thermally, calcium polyphosphate remains stable at high temperatures before eventual decomposition.
Calcium polyphosphate does not volatilize easily due to its ionic and polymeric structure.
This makes it suitable for high-temperature processing applications.
Uses:
Calcium Phosphate is an anticaking agent and calcium source that is a white powder that is almost insoluble in water.
Calcium polyphosphate is used as an anticaking agent in table salt and dry vinegar.
It is used as a source of calcium and phosphorus in cereals and desserts.
Calcium polyphosphate functions as a bleaching agent in flour and in lard, and prevents undesirable coloring and improves stability for frying.
It is also termed tribasic calcium phosphate, tricalcium orthophosphate, calcium phosphate tribasic, and precipitated calcium phosphate.
Calcium polyphosphate is an ionic compound that exists in several forms, including monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic calcium phosphate.
Calcium polyphosphate, also termed monocalcium phosphate, calcium biphosphate, or acid calcium phosphate, is used as a leavening agent and acidulant.
Calcium polyphosphate, also termed dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, is used as a dough conditioner and mineral supplement.
Calcium polyphosphate, also termed tricalcium phosphate or precipitated calcium phosphate, is used as an anticaking agent, mineral supplement, and conditioning agent.
Calcium polyphosphate is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, H₃PO₄ (phosphoric acid), and other phosphorus compounds.
It is also used in the production of milk-glass, polishing powders, dental powders, porcelains, and pottery; in enameling; for clarifying sugar syrups; in animal feeds as a mineral supplement; as an anticaking agent; and in the textile industry.
Calcium polyphosphate is used in biomaterials and biomedical engineering, particularly for bone-related applications.
Calcium polyphosphate serves as a bioresorbable material that gradually releases calcium and phosphate ions.
These ions support bone regeneration and mineralization.
In orthopedic and dental research, calcium polyphosphate is studied for bone graft substitutes and scaffolds.
Its controlled degradation behavior allows temporary structural support during tissue healing.
This makes it useful in experimental implants and regenerative medicine.
Calcium polyphosphate is applied in phosphate-based ceramics and glasses.
Calcium polyphosphate contributes to thermal stability and mechanical strength in high-temperature materials.
These materials are used in specialty glass, ceramic coatings, and refractory formulations.
In agriculture and fertilizer technology, calcium polyphosphate functions as a slow-release phosphorus source.
It improves phosphorus availability to plants over extended periods.
This reduces nutrient loss and enhances fertilizer efficiency.
Calcium polyphosphate is also used in environmental and materials research.
Calcium polyphosphate serves as a model compound for studying polyphosphate hydrolysis and ion release.
These studies support applications in nutrient management and environmental remediation.
Calcium polyphosphate is used in controlled drug delivery research as a carrier material.
Its gradual dissolution in aqueous and physiological environments allows sustained release of active agents.
This makes it suitable for experimental pharmaceutical formulations.
In tissue engineering, calcium polyphosphate is incorporated into composite scaffolds.
Calcium polyphosphate improves mechanical strength and bioactivity when combined with polymers or other ceramics.
These composites support cell attachment and bone tissue growth.
Calcium polyphosphate is applied in coatings for biomedical implants.
Thin layers can enhance surface bioactivity and promote osteointegration.
This improves bonding between implants and surrounding bone.
In industrial processing, calcium polyphosphate is used in phosphate-based binders and cements.
It contributes to setting behavior and high-temperature resistance.
These materials are useful in specialized construction and refractory systems.
Calcium polyphosphate is also explored in environmental engineering applications.
It can immobilize heavy metals through ion interaction and precipitation mechanisms.
This property is studied for soil stabilization and waste treatment technologies.
Calcium polyphosphate is generally considered to have low toxicity and is not classified as hazardous under normal handling conditions.
It is an inorganic phosphate material commonly studied for biomedical and agricultural applications.
No acute toxic effects are expected from incidental exposure.
Dust generated during handling or processing may cause mechanical irritation to the eyes, skin, or respiratory tract.
Inhalation of fine particles can lead to coughing or throat discomfort.
Use of local ventilation and dust masks is recommended in occupational settings.
Prolonged skin contact with powdered calcium polyphosphate may cause mild dryness or irritation.
This effect is physical rather than chemical in nature.
Basic hygiene practices, such as washing hands after handling, are sufficient.
Ingestion of small amounts is not expected to cause serious harm.
However, excessive intake may disturb calcium–phosphate balance and cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Such exposure is unlikely outside of controlled laboratory or industrial environments.
Calcium polyphosphate is non-flammable and thermally stable under normal conditions.
At very high temperatures, it may decompose to release phosphorus oxides.
Firefighting measures should follow standard procedures for inorganic solids.
From an environmental standpoint, calcium polyphosphate is considered low risk.
Calcium polyphosphate gradually hydrolyzes to orthophosphate and calcium ions, which are naturally occurring nutrients.
Proper disposal according to local regulations is generally sufficient and poses minimal ecological concern.
Safety Profile:
Calcium polyphosphate is considered to have low acute toxicity and is generally not classified as hazardous under normal laboratory or industrial conditions.
Calcium polyphosphate is an inorganic phosphate material commonly used in biomedical, agricultural, and materials research.
No significant toxic effects are expected from normal handling.
Exposure to dust or fine particles may cause mechanical irritation to the eyes, skin, or respiratory tract.
Inhalation of airborne powder can lead to coughing, throat irritation, or mild breathing discomfort.
Adequate ventilation and use of dust masks are recommended during handling and processing.
Prolonged skin contact may result in mild dryness or irritation.
This effect is physical rather than chemical in nature and is usually reversible.
Basic protective gloves and proper hygiene practices are sufficient to minimize risk.
Accidental ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause serious harm.
However, excessive intake may disrupt calcium–phosphate balance and cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Such exposure is uncommon outside controlled environments.
Calcium polyphosphate is non-flammable and does not present a fire hazard.
At very high temperatures, it may decompose and release phosphorus-containing oxides.
Standard safety procedures for inorganic solids are adequate for fire and thermal risks.
From an environmental perspective, calcium polyphosphate poses low ecological risk.
Calcium polyphosphate gradually hydrolyzes to calcium and orthophosphate ions, which are naturally occurring nutrients.
Proper disposal in accordance with local regulations is generally sufficient.
