Potassium Pyrophosphate
Acidity Regulators
Emulsifiers
Thickeners
7320-34-5
E450
K₄P₂O₇
$1.94 ~ $2.91
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Potassium Pyrophosphate?
Potassium pyrophosphate is a white inorganic salt used extensively in the food industry as a buffering agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer, primarily to improve texture and water-binding capacity in processed meats, dairy, and seafood.
How is Potassium Pyrophosphate made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neutralization Reaction | React food-grade Phosphoric Acid with a potassium source, typically Potassium Hydroxide, in an agitated reactor. | The mole ratio of reactants is critical to form the intermediate, Dipotassium Phosphate. The reaction is highly exothermic, so temperature must be strictly controlled via cooling jackets to prevent boiling and ensure safety. |
| 2 | Dehydration & Calcination | Pump the resulting Dipotassium Phosphate solution into a furnace or calciner and heat it to a high temperature. | This is the pyrolysis step where two molecules of Dipotassium Phosphate combine to form one molecule of Potassium Pyrophosphate, releasing water. The calcination temperature (approx. 350-450°C) and residence time are crucial for complete conversion. |
| 3 | Cooling & Milling | Cool the hot, solid Potassium Pyrophosphate from the furnace, and then crush and mill the resulting material. | Controlled cooling prevents thermal shock and ensures the correct crystalline structure. The milling process reduces the material to a fine powder, and the equipment settings determine the final particle size distribution required by the customer. |
| 4 | Sieving & Blending | Pass the milled powder through industrial sieves to classify the particles. | Sieving ensures a uniform product free of oversized particles and agglomerates. Screen integrity is checked regularly to prevent contamination. Different batches may be blended at this stage to ensure lot-to-lot consistency. |
| 5 | Quality Control & Packaging | Take representative samples for final analysis and then package the approved product into sealed bags or containers. | The final product is tested against specifications for purity (assay as K4P2O7), pH, insolubles, and heavy metals. Packaging is conducted in a low-humidity environment because the product is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 7320-34-5 |
| Chemical Formula | K₄P₂O₇ |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water (~187 g/100 mL @25 °C) |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, <25 °C, sealed container |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Processed meat
seafood
cheese
bakery
beverages
toothpaste for tartar control
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Potassium Pyrophosphate |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Emulsifier; pH Buffering Agent; Sequestrant; Texturizer |
| Key Ingredients | Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate (TKPP) |
| Mechanism of Action | Chelates divalent metal ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) to prevent protein precipitation and cross-linking. Increases pH and ionic strength, causing myofibrillar proteins to swell and bind more water. Acts as a polyanion to dissociate actin-myosin complexes, enhancing protein extraction and solubility. Stabilizes fat-protein emulsions. |
| Application Effect in Product | Increases cooking yield and moisture retention in processed meats and seafood. Improves texture, firmness, and slice integrity. Reduces purge and syneresis during storage. Stabilizes color and prevents fat separation in emulsified products. Enhances freeze-thaw stability. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Pyrophosphate (TKPP) | Potassium Phosphate Salt | High water solubility, strong sequestrant, emulsifier, dispersant, high pH buffer. | Extremely high solubility, making it ideal for liquid concentrates. Provides potassium, suitable for low-sodium formulations. | More expensive than sodium-based alternatives like TSPP and STPP. | Liquid detergents, industrial cleaners, low-sodium processed meats and seafood, metal surface treatment. | When maximum solubility in a liquid formulation is critical or when a low-sodium/potassium-fortified product is required. |
| Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (TSPP) | Sodium Phosphate Salt | Sequestrant, emulsifier, dispersant, buffering agent. | Cost-effective compared to TKPP. Good performance in powdered applications. | Significantly lower water solubility than TKPP, limiting its use in concentrated liquids. Adds sodium content. | Powdered detergents, toothpaste (tartar control), water softening, food additive in dairy and meat products. | For cost-sensitive or powdered formulations where high solubility is not a primary concern. |
| Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) | Sodium Phosphate Salt | Excellent sequestrant for calcium and magnesium, water softener (builder). | Very effective and economical builder for detergents. Widely available and low cost. | Environmental concerns regarding phosphate runoff (eutrophication) have led to restrictions in many regions. | Powdered laundry and dishwasher detergents, industrial water treatment, food preservation. | For powerful and cost-effective water softening in applications where phosphate use is permitted. |
| Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) | Sodium Polyphosphate | Polymeric structure, superior sequestration of various metal ions, good dispersant. | Excellent sequestrant, particularly effective at preventing mineral scale and redeposition. Stable over a wider pH range. | Can be more expensive than STPP. Hydrolyzes over time, especially in hot or acidic conditions. | Industrial and municipal water treatment, food processing (syrups, beverages), pigment dispersion, clay processing. | When superior sequestration of a broad range of metal ions is needed, especially for scale prevention in water systems. |
| Potassium Tripolyphosphate (KTPP) | Potassium Phosphate Salt | Very high solubility, strong sequestrant and emulsifier. | Combines the high solubility of potassium salts with the strong sequestering power of tripolyphosphate. | Generally the most expensive option among common polyphosphates. | High-performance concentrated liquid detergents, specialty cleaners, low-sodium food applications. | For premium liquid products needing the highest possible concentration, solubility, and sequestering power without adding sodium. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
Technical datasheet & COA provided
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
SDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications