Sources/Uses
A series of strong phosphoric acids with the equation H(2n) P(n) O(3n+1); For pyrophosphoric acid (H4P2O7), n=2; Commercial product is a mixture of these acids and sold based on percentage H3PO4; Used as dehydrating, catalytic, and sequestering agents, for metal treatment, and as laboratory reagents; [Hawley] Used as protein precipitants (for coagulation, separation, and purification), catalysts (petroleum and chemical industries), dehydrating agents (dye and pigment production), and stabilizers (skimmed sweetened condensed milk and dry milk); Also used to make phosphate esters and fertilizers; [HSDB]
Comments
Emergency treatment: "Phosphoric acid"; Concentrations of phosphoric acid >75% cause severe burns and can produce phosphine gas after reacting with metal; Ingestion of as little as 8 mL of phosphoric acid can be fatal; [HSDB] A corrosive substance that can cause injury to the skin and eyes; Mists can cause severe irritation to nose, throat, and respiratory tract; [CHEMINFO] Corrosive to skin and eyes; After inhalation, may cause acute pneumonitis; May cause injury to liver and bone; [Alfa Aesar MSDS]