trisodium phosphate

Chemical properties

It is a white, granular or crystalline solid, highly soluble in water producing an alkaline solution. A 1% aqueous solution has a pH of 11.6. It is hygroscopic and incompatible with strong acids.

The Uses of trisodium phosphate

Trisodium phosphate is used as a cleaning agent, food additive, stain remover, and degreaser. The major use for trisodium phosphate is in cleaning agents and the solution is sufficiently alkaline to saponify grease and oils. In combination with surfactants, it makes an agent for cleaning everything from laundry to concrete driveways. Its use has declined in the western world due to ecological issues with waste products. It is also used for cleaning, degreasing, and deglossing of walls prior to painting.
In the United States trisodium phosphate is an approved flux for use in hard soldering joints in medical-grade copper plumbing and is also used as an ingredient in fluxes designed to deoxygenate nonferrous metals for casting. It can be used in ceramic production to lower the flow point of glazes.
Trisodium phosphate is approved as a food additive in the European Union (E number 339) and other countries. It is used as an acidity regulator in a variety of food products.