Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Preservatives
Acidity Regulators
Emulsifiers
Thickeners
7758-29-4
E451
Na₅P₃O₁₀
$1.73 ~ $2.59
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/bag
One unit of:25kg/bag
25kg/bag
Product Info
What is Sodium Tripolyphosphate?
Sodium Tripolyphosphate is a highly effective chelating agent and water softener, primarily used as a builder in laundry detergents and as a moisture retention agent and emulsifier in processed food products.
How is Sodium Tripolyphosphate made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neutralization | Reacting phosphoric acid with a sodium source (e.g., soda ash) in a reactor to create a sodium orthophosphate slurry. | Molar ratio of Sodium (Na) to Phosphorus (P) is critical, targeting a 5:3 ratio. This is achieved by carefully controlling the inputs to form a specific blend of monosodium and disodium phosphate. Slurry pH and density are key indicators. |
| 2 | Slurry Drying | Drying the orthophosphate slurry using a spray dryer or rotary dryer to produce a fine, anhydrous powder mix. | The inlet/outlet temperatures of the dryer are controlled to achieve a specific, low moisture content. Insufficient drying can cause issues in the subsequent calcination step. |
| 3 | Calcination (Polymerization) | Heating the dried orthophosphate powder in a rotary kiln or calciner to induce a condensation reaction, forming Sodium Tripolyphosphate. | Temperature (300-550°C) and residence time in the kiln are the most critical parameters. This determines the degree of conversion to STPP and the final product's P₂O₅ content. |
| 4 | Cooling (Tempering) | Cooling the hot STPP from the calciner in a controlled manner. | The cooling rate determines the crystal structure. Rapid cooling yields high-reactivity Phase I STPP, while slower, controlled cooling produces low-reactivity Phase II STPP. The ratio of these phases is a key quality specification. |
| 5 | Milling & Sieving | Grinding the cooled STPP to a specified fineness and then screening it to separate particles by size. | Controls the final product's particle size distribution and bulk density, which affects its solubility rate and handling characteristics. Oversized particles may be recycled for re-milling. |
| 6 | Quality Control & Packaging | Sampling and testing the final product for compliance with specifications before packaging into moisture-proof containers. | Final analysis verifies purity (assay), pH, insoluble matter, and phase composition. The product is hygroscopic, so proper packaging is essential to prevent caking and degradation. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 7758-29-4 |
| Chemical Formula | Na₅P₃O₁₀ |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water (≈14.5 g/100 mL @25 °C) |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, <25 °C, sealed container |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Processed meats
seafood
poultry
canned goods
pet foods
detergents
dental care
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | Sodium Tripolyphosphate |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Sequestrant; Water Retention Agent; pH Regulator; Emulsifier |
| Key Ingredients | Sodium Tripolyphosphate (Na₅P₃O₁₀) |
| Mechanism of Action | Chelates divalent metal ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) that crosslink proteins, increasing protein functionality. Elevates pH and ionic strength, shifting muscle proteins away from their isoelectric point, which increases electrostatic repulsion and water-holding capacity (WHC). Dissociates the actomyosin complex, allowing for greater myofibrillar protein swelling and extraction. |
| Application Effect in Product | Increased cooking yield and moisture retention in processed meats and seafood. Improved texture, firmness, and sliceability. Reduced purge and drip loss during storage and thawing. Emulsifies fat and stabilizes texture in processed cheese and comminuted meats. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) | Polyphosphate Salt / Sequestrant | Excellent water softening, pH buffering, dispersant, emulsifier, anti-redeposition agent. | Highly effective all-in-one builder; cost-effective for its high performance. | Environmental concerns (eutrophication) lead to regulatory restrictions in many regions. | Automatic dishwashing detergents, industrial cleaners, water treatment, food preservation (meat, seafood). | For maximum cleaning performance in applications where phosphate use is permitted. |
| Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (TSPP) | Polyphosphate Salt / Emulsifier | Good sequestrant, excellent emulsifier and dispersant, pH buffer. | Superior emulsifying and dispersing properties compared to STPP. | Slightly less effective at sequestering calcium ions than STPP; also a phosphate. | Food processing (emulsifier), toothpaste (tartar control), household cleaners. | When emulsification and dispersion are more critical than maximum water softening. |
| Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) | Polyphosphate Polymer / Sequestrant | Most powerful sequestrant for a wide range of metal ions, excellent dispersant. | Unmatched water softening and metal ion control, highly effective at low concentrations. | Contributes to eutrophication; can be more expensive than STPP. | Industrial water treatment, food processing, clay processing in ceramics, high-performance cleaners. | For applications with very hard water or problematic metal ions that require superior sequestration. |
| Zeolite A | Aluminosilicate / Ion-Exchanger | Phosphate-free water softening via ion exchange; provides powder structure. | Environmentally benign (no eutrophication), inexpensive, widely used in powder detergents. | Insoluble in water (can leave residue), acts slower than STPP, less effective on magnesium ions. | Primary builder in powder laundry detergents. | To create an effective, phosphate-free powder detergent that is environmentally friendly. |
| Sodium Citrate | Organic Salt / Chelating Agent | Biodegradable chelating agent, pH buffer, food-safe. | Readily biodegradable, non-toxic, and suitable for eco-friendly or food-contact applications. | Less effective as a sequestrant than phosphates; can be more costly for equivalent performance. | Eco-friendly liquid laundry and dish detergents, food and beverage production. | For 'green' or food-grade formulations, especially in liquid formats where insolubles are not desired. |
| Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) | Orthophosphate Salt / Alkaline Cleaner | Highly alkaline, powerful degreaser, provides some water softening. | Extremely effective for heavy-duty degreasing and cleaning tasks; very inexpensive. | Highly caustic, damaging to many surfaces, largely banned in consumer products due to high phosphate content. | Industrial degreasing, preparing surfaces for painting, heavy-duty masonry cleaning. | For extreme, non-consumer cleaning jobs where high alkalinity and grease cutting power are essential. |
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