Phosphoric Acid Chemical

Phosphoric Acid Chemical

Phosphoric acid is a corrosive, colorless, and odorless liquid that is easily soluble in water and ethanol. This acid is one of the most widely used mineral acids used in various industries, including fertilizer production, food industry, pharmaceuticals, and detergent production.

Phosphoric acid is produced by two methods: thermal and wet. In the thermal method, although the purity of the acid produced is very high, due to the high cost of this process, it is mainly used for specific applications such as food, pharmaceutical, and high-quality detergent industries. On the other hand, the wet method, which is more economical, provides about 60% of the phosphoric acid consumed in the industry.

Phosphoric acid produced by the wet method is mainly known as an industrial acid and is used in the production of chemical fertilizers, animal and poultry feed supplements, and also in some industrial processes. One of the main challenges in the production of this acid by the wet method is the high concentration of impurities in the final product. If these impurities exceed the standard, they may accumulate in plants, meat, and poultry and enter the human body through the food chain. Therefore, quality control and reduction of impurity concentration in this process are very important.

Technical Characteristics

Chemical Formula	H₃PO₄
Other names	orthophosphoric acid Hydrogen phosphate
CAS Number	7664-38-2
Molar mass	97.995 g/mol
Melting Point	42 °C – anhydrous
Boiling Point:	212 °C – only water evaporates
Appearance	a colorless solid (in its pure form) or a colorless liquid soluble in water

Applications

Agriculture
Dietary
Oil & Gas industry
Cosmetics
pH adjustment
Pharmaceutical industry
Water and wastewater treatment
Medical

Environmental impact of Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric acid can disrupt the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems if it enters water sources. It increases the level of phosphorus in the water, which can lead to eutrophication (an abnormal increase in algae growth). This reduces the oxygen in the water and harms aquatic life. Also, unauthorized discharge of this substance into the soil may change the properties of the soil and affect plant growth.

Safety Measures and Regulations for Handling Phosphoric Acid

When working with phosphoric acid, direct contact with the skin and eyes should be avoided, as it can cause severe burns and irritation. The use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses and a mask is essential. This acid should be stored in acid-resistant containers and in a cool, dry environment. In the event of a leak or spill, the area should be cleaned up immediately and prevented from entering water sources. Proper ventilation in enclosed environments is essential when working with phosphoric acid, and waste disposal must be done in accordance with environmental regulations.

Packing

This chemical is available in 35 kg polyethylene containers, IBC or 200 kg barrels.

Stearic Acid Chemical

Stearic acid is a type of saturated fatty acid with an 18-carbon chain that has a lower cholesterol content than other saturated fatty acids. Therefore, stearic acid is less harmful to human health than other saturated fatty acids. Stearic acid is obtained by adding acid to animal fat with water at high pressure and temperature, which leads to the hydrolysis of triglycerides. Stearic acid can also be produced by hydrogenating some unsaturated vegetable oils. Typically, stearic acid is actually a mixture of stearic acid and palmitic acid, although pure stearic acid is also available.

Technical Characteristics

Chemical Formula	C₁₈H₃₆O₂
Other names	Octadecanoic acid C 18:0
CAS Number	57-11-4
Molecular mass	284.484 g·mol⁻¹
Density	0.9408 g/cm³ (20 °C)
Melting Point	69.3 °C
Boiling Point	361 ℃ decomposes
Appearance	White solid

Applications

– Food industry

– Cosmetics and hygiene products production

– Pharmaceutical industry

– Rubber industry

– Lubricant production

– Agricultural industry

– Textile industry

Environmental impact of Stearic Acid

Stearic acid, when released into the environment, can contribute to water pollution. It can form a thin film on the surface of water, potentially affecting aquatic life by blocking oxygen transfer and harming aquatic organisms. Additionally, stearic acid can accumulate in soils, leading to long-term environmental contamination if not properly disposed of. However, since it is biodegradable, its environmental impact is generally lower compared to other more persistent chemicals, though proper management is still required.

Safety Measures and Regulations for Handling Stearic Acid

When handling stearic acid, it is important to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing to avoid skin and eye contact. Although stearic acid is relatively safe, it can cause irritation on prolonged contact. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat and incompatible materials. In the event of a spill, the area should be cleaned immediately with an appropriate absorbent material. Handling should be done in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of dust. Compliance with local safety and disposal regulations is essential.

Packing

Stearic acid is supplied in carton/25 kg woven plastic bags.

Acetic Acid

Acetic acid with the chemical formula CH₃COOH is an organic acid. This acid is a weak acid because only some acid is isolated in aqueous solution. Pure anhydrous acetic acid (glacial acetic acid) is a colorless liquid that absorbs water from its surroundings (hygroscopic) and freezes at a temperature of 16.5 °C in the form of a colorless crystalline solid. Pure acid and its concentrated solutions are very corrosive.

Acetic acid is one of the simplest carboxylic acids. This acid is an important chemical reagent and is an industrial chemical used in the production of the different chemicals.

Acetic acid is produced industrially both synthetically and by bacterial fermentation. About 75% of acetic acid made for use in the chemical industry is made by the carbonylation of methanol. The biological route accounts for only about 10% of world production, but it remains important for the production of vinegar because many food purity laws require vinegar used in foods to be of biological origin. Other processes are methyl formate isomerization, conversion of syngas to acetic acid, and gas phase oxidation of ethylene and ethanol.

Technical Characteristics

CAS Number	64-19-7
Other names	Ethanoic acid Vinegar Hydrogen acetate Methanecarboxylic acid Ethylic acid
Molecular Weight	60.052 g/mol
Chemical Formula	CH₃COOH
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Density	1.049 g/cm³ (liquid)
Boiling point	118 to 119 °C
Melting point	16 to 17 °C

Applications

Acetic acid exhibits strong bactericidal and antifungal activities
As a solvent
An acidity regulator in the food industry
Raw chemical for production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM)
Raw chemical for production of cellulose acetate, a versatile material used in the manufacturing of films, fibers, and cigarette filters

Environmental impact of Acetic acid

This compound does not have any special environmental problem and is biodegradable. It is soluble in water and can penetrate the soil and slightly acidify the soil.

Safety Measures and Regulations for Handling Acetic acid

While acetic acid has numerous beneficial uses, it is essential to handle it with caution due to its corrosive nature. Concentrated acetic acid can cause severe burns and damage to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It is crucial to follow safety guidelines when working with acetic acid and use appropriate protective equipment.

When using acetic acid in household cleaning, dilution is necessary to ensure safety. It is important to read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to avoid any adverse effects. Proper ventilation is also recommended when using acetic acid-based cleaners to prevent inhaling high concentrations of the vapors.

Packing

It is transported in the dedicated SS or Al tank truck, SS shipping tank or plastic barrel. The packing capacity of the plastic barrel is 25 kg, 50 kg or 200 kg. The packing container shall be clean and dry, and shall be gently handled to prevent any collision during transportation and loading/unloading.

Boric Acid

Boric acid, a white powder or colorless crystal, is a weak boron-based acid. Boric acid is naturally present in mineral deposits like sassolite and can be sourced from hot mineral water springs. The minerals containing boric acid are processed using sulfuric acid to isolate crystalline boric acid. Borates, including boric acid, have a long history of use dating back to ancient times for purposes such as cleaning and food preservation. In 1948, boric acid was officially approved for insecticidal use in the United States. Additionally, it has been employed as an antiseptic and featured in various commercial products.

While minor, one-time consumption typically poses no significant harm, extensive ingestion or frequent contact can lead to toxicity symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues with green-blue vomit or diarrhea, distinctive skin alterations resembling ‘boiled lobster,’ and kidney damage that may be life-threatening. In severe instances, hemodialysis may be a viable treatment option.

Characteristics

Chemical formula	H₃BO₃
CAS Number	10043-35-3
IUPAC Name	Trihydroxidoboron
Other names	Orthoboric acid, hydrogen orthoborate, trihydroxidoboron, boracic acid
Molecular Weight	61.84 gm
Appearance	Colorless, transparent crystals, or white granules or powder, odorless
Density	1.44 g/cm³

Applications

Boric acid is a versatile substance with various applications in different fields.

Medicine: Boric acid is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a valuable substance in medicine. It is used in disinfecting all body parts.
Lubricants: Boric acid is used in the production of lubricants that have high biological stability and pH stability due to its disinfection properties.
Fire Retardants: Boron salts, including boric acid, release water when heated, reducing ignition and fire.
Anti-Cancer Properties: Boric acid has been found to have anti-cancer properties, reducing the growth of cancer cells with higher doses.
Ceramic Industry: Boric acid is used to reduce the thermal expansion of materials and make ceramics, tiles, and glazed dishes shiny and attractive.
Insecticides: In households, it can be used to combat crawling insects like cockroaches

Additionally, it is a component in nickel plating solutions and electric capacitors, used for treating wicks and strengthening steel. In laboratory settings, boric acid is utilized to create buffer solutions.

Environmental impact and sustainability of Boric Acid

Boric acid undergoes decomposition at temperatures above 100 degrees Celsius, resulting in the formation of boric anhydride. The solution of boric anhydride is characterized as a weak acid. Boric acid and borate salts are typically eliminated from soils through leaching and absorption by plants. The low volatility of boric acid and other borates leads to minimal quantities of these compounds in the earth’s atmosphere. Particulates are removed through precipitation and direct deposition.

The half-life of airborne borate particles varies between a few days, contingent on the particle size and atmospheric conditions. Boric acid and borates are not believed to degrade or undergo transformation through photolysis, oxidation, or hydrolysis in the atmosphere.

When animals consume boric acid, they may experience increased salivation, thirst, elevated body temperature, vomiting, and diarrhea. Seizures and other neurological issues can manifest in cases of significant boric acid ingestion.

Packing

Boric acid is supplied in various forms, commonly in the form of white crystalline powder or granules. It can also be found in solution form in water.

Citric Acid

Citric acid is a naturally occurring substance and a common metabolite found in plants and animals. A healthy adult human body produces and metabolizes approximately 1.5 kg of citric acid per day. Additionally, this organic acid is obtained from a wide variety of natural dietary sources.

Citric acid has several highly variable characteristics, and as a purely biological product, it can be safely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. As a result, citric acid is employed in a growing number of products and is the most versatile and widely used organic acid in the food and beverage (70%) as well as the pharmaceutical (10%) sectors.

The production of citric acid (CA) fluctuates based on factors such as demand, pricing, and manufacturer capacity. In recent years, the CA market has faced significant pressure. The high costs of raw materials and energy have transformed what was once a profitable CA production sector into an unprofitable market. As a result, finding alternative.

Technical Characteristics

Chemical formula	C₆H₈O₇
CAS Number	77-92-9
Other names	2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, Anhydrous citric acid, Citrate, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Uralyt U
Molecular Weight	192.124 g/mole
Appearance	Odorless white solid
Density	1.66 g/cm³ (Anhydrous)

Applications

The application of citric acid spans across various industries and products.

Food and Beverages: Citric acid is widely used as a preservative, flavor enhancer, and acidity regulator in food and beverage products. It helps extend shelf life, adds a tart, tangy flavor, and adjusts the pH.

Cosmetics: In cosmetics, citric acid is added to skincare products like cleansers, toners, and serums. It helps brighten the skin, minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone.

Cleaning Products: Citric acid is utilized in cleaning products due to its disinfectant properties, ability to remove stains, and effectiveness in removing hard water deposits and buildup.

Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, citric acid serves as a pH corrector and antioxidant. It helps preserve the stability and potency of vitamins, minerals, and other active ingredients in drug formulations.

Environmental impact and sustainability of Citric Acid

The corrosive properties of this substance can hinder plant germination. Increasing the amount of this substance in the soil raises its acidity, disrupting plant growth systems and potentially leading to premature plant death due to nutrient deficiencies. While citric acid has some positive effects on the environment and human life, its impact is limited.

Repeated application of this acid can induce an allelopathic effect in plants, inhibiting the growth of plants and biological processes. This characteristic has led to the use of citric acid in weed control. Additionally, small quantities of citric acid and ascorbic acid can aid in the rooting and survival of cherry branches.

Excessive use of citric acid in water can disrupt the Krebs cycle and lead to the accumulation of excess phosphate. The Krebs cycle is essential for plants to convert citric acids into phosphate, providing energy to cells.

Packing and Storage

Citric acid is offered in various physical forms for commercial use, including granular, fine granular, powder, liquid (as a 50% solution), and anhydrous (solid) forms. Companies such as Univar Solutions supply citric acid in these diverse granular, powder, and liquid variations to cater to the requirements of different industries and applications. Citric Acid and Citrates shall be kept in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated and pollution-free place. Open-air storage is not allowed. Keep away from toxic, harmful, corrosive, polluting goods. Keep at temperature not exceeding 30℃ at a relative humidity not exceeding 50%. Citric acid can be packaged and delivered in sacks or big bags.

Chromic acid

Chromic acid, a strong oxidizing agent that is utilized in various industries, comprises a chromium atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms. In its structure, two oxygen atoms each form single bonds with the chromium atom and a hydrogen atom individually, while the remaining two oxygen atoms create double bonds with the chromium atom.

Chromic acid is produced when chromium trioxide reacts with water. Chromium trioxide is crystalline, light red or brown in color, deliquescent, and fully soluble in water. Chromic acid is a very weak acid, and its salts can be dissociated even by acetic acid. It has a powerful oxidizing effect and is itself reduced to CrO₃, which is why it should never be combined with alcohol or formalin. However, chromic acid is used in combination with formalin in some fixing fluids, where the reducing action is slow, allowing for the completion of fixation before the acid is fully reduced.

Technical Characteristics

Chemical formula	H₂CrO₄
CAS Number	7738-94-5
Other names	Chromic(VI) acid, Dihydroxidodioxidochromium, tetraoxochromic acid, Dichromic acid
Molecular Weight	118.01 g/mole (chromic acid)
Appearance	Odorless dark purplish-red sand-like crystalline solid or powder
Density	1.201 g/cm³

Applications

Chromic acid was once commonly used as a strong oxidizing agent for cleaning laboratory glassware, eliminating any stubborn organic residues that were otherwise difficult to remove. However, due to significant health concerns, its use has been prohibited in many institutions.

Other than that chromic acid finds applications in various industries and processes due to its unique properties.

Metal Finishing: Chromic acid is used in metal finishing processes where surfaces of objects are coated. It plays a crucial role in chromium plating.

Wood Preservation: Chromic acid is involved in wood preservatives to protect wood from bacteria and insects.

Plastic Production: Chromic acid plays a role in the production of plastic products.

Textile Industry: It is used as a mordant in the textile industry, facilitating the reaction between dyes and fabrics.

Musical Instrument Repair: Chromic acid was widely used in the musical instrument repair industry to brighten raw brass, leaving a bright yellow patina on the brass.

Photography: It is used as a bleach in black and white photographic reversal processing.

Other Applications: Chromic acid is also utilized in the oxidation of organic compounds in organic chemistry reactions, in laboratories, instrument repair, and in the metal industry.

Environmental impact and sustainability of Chromic acid

Chromic acid’s environmental impact and sustainability are major concerns due to its toxicity and carcinogenic properties. It has been extensively used in various applications, such as cleaning lab glassware, metal finishing, wood preservation, plastic production, ceramic glazes, and colored glass manufacturing. However, due to its dangerous nature, its use has been prohibited in many places, and eco-friendly alternatives have been developed.

Packing and Storage

Chromic acid is provided by a variety of distributors and manufacturers like Chemicals Global, Wego Chemical Group, and Vishnu Chemicals. These suppliers offer chromic acid in various forms and quantities, including chromium trioxide, a key component of chromic acid. Typically, the acid is delivered in steel drums equipped with locking rings, available in sizes ranging from 25 kg to 250 kg. Proper storage of chromic acid is advised in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials.

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Category: Acids