potassium phosphate

potassium phosphate

[pə′tas·ē·əm ′fäs‚fāt]

(inorganic chemistry)

Any one of three orthophosphates of potassium. The monobasic form, KH₂PO₄, consists of colorless, water-soluble crystals melting at 253°C; used in sonar transducers, optical modulation, medicine, baking powders, and nutrient solutions; also known as potassium acid phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), potassium diphosphate, potassium orthophosphate. The dibasic form, K₂HOP₄, consists of white, water-soluble crystals; used in medicine, fermentation, and nutrient solutions; also known as potassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium monophosphate. The tribasic form, K₃PO₄, is a water-soluble, hygroscopic white powder, melting at 1340°C; used to purify gasoline, to soften water, and to make liquid soaps and fertilizers; also known as neutral potassium phosphate, tripotassium orthophosphate.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.