phosphoric acid
phosphoric acid Group of acids. Tetraoxophosphoric acid (H3PO4, formerly orthophosphoric acid) is a colourless liquid obtained by the action of sulphuric acid on phosphate rock (calcium phosphate); it is used in dental adhesives, flavoured syrups, fertilizers, soaps, detergents, and anticorrosive coatings for metals. Metaphosphoric acid (HPO3) is obtained by heating tetraoxophosphoric acid; it is used as a dehydrating agent. Heptaoxodiphosphoric (H4P2O7, formerly pyrophosphoric acid) is formed by moderately heating tetraoxophosphoric acid or by reacting phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) with water; it is used as a catalyst and in metallurgy.
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phosphoric acid
