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Calcium Phosphate

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Identification
Molecular formula
Ca3(PO4)2
CAS number
7758-87-4
IUPAC name
tricalcium;phosphorus(3-)
State
State

At room temperature, calcium phosphate is typically a solid. It is often found as a powder due to its use in various applications including food supplements, and bone grafting materials in a powder form.

Melting point (Celsius)
1 670.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 943.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
310.18g/mol
Molar mass
310.1760g/mol
Density
3.1400g/cm3
Appearence

Calcium phosphate is generally a white, odorless powder or crystalline solid. Its appearance can vary from fine powder to more crystalline granular forms depending on the specific preparation and treatment methods used. It is noted for being insoluble in water and having a chalk-like texture.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Tricalcium Phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2)

Tricalcium phosphate, often represented by its chemical formula Ca3(PO4)2, exhibits relatively low solubility in water. This characteristic is important for its applications in various fields, including biomedicine and materials science.

Key Aspects of Solubility:

  • Low Solubility: Tricalcium phosphate is known to have a very limited solubility in aqueous solutions, typically around 0.02 g per 100 mL of water at room temperature.
  • Influence of pH: The solubility can be affected by changes in pH; it tends to dissolve better in acidic environments compared to neutral or basic conditions.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility may slightly increase with temperature, although it remains generally low.
  • Complex Formation: In the presence of certain organic acids, tricalcium phosphate can form soluble complexes that enhance solubility.

Understanding the solubility of tricalcium phosphate is crucial, especially in biological systems where it plays a role in calcium and phosphate metabolism. Its low solubility in water contributes to its functionality in various applications, including its use as a calcium supplement and in bone regeneration technologies.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Tricalcium Phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2)

Tricalcium phosphate is a fascinating chemical compound that holds significant importance in various fields, including nutrition, manufacturing, and materials science. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Natural Occurrence: Tricalcium phosphate naturally occurs in minerals such as apatite. It is a vital component of bones and teeth in humans and animals, essentially serving as a reservoir of calcium and phosphorous.
  • Food Additive: It is widely used as a food additive, often found in processed foods, dairy, and supplements to provide a source of calcium and phosphorus, essential for bone health.
  • Fertilizer Component: In agriculture, tricalcium phosphate is leveraged as a phosphorus fertilizer due to its slow-release properties, promoting optimal growth in crops.
  • Bone Repair: In the biomedical field, tricalcium phosphate has gained popularity as a biocompatible material for bone grafts and scaffolds in tissue engineering. Its ability to stimulate bone regeneration is a subject of extensive research.
  • Industrial Uses: Beyond its biological applications, this compound is used in the manufacturing of ceramics and as a filler in various products due to its stability and non-toxic nature.

Overall, tricalcium phosphate exemplifies the intersection of chemistry and biology, highlighting the essential roles that simple chemical compounds can play in both nature and human endeavors. As scholars and scientists continue to explore its properties and applications, it remains a compound of great interest and significance.

Synonyms
CALCIUM PHOSPHIDE
Calcium phosphide (Ca3P2)
Tricalcium diphosphide
1305-99-3
IQZ9FY9THC
UNII-IQZ9FY9THC
UN1360
HSDB 963
EINECS 215-142-0
CALCIUM PHOSPHIDE [MI]
DTXSID0058271
UN-1360
bicyclo(1.1.1)tricalcaphosphane
bicyclo[1.1.1]tricalcaphosphane
DTXCID101324218
EINECS 254-431-6
254-431-6
39373-03-0
Photophor
tricalcium;phosphorus(3-)
Calcium photophor
HMJZRBDFJAQGEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Calcium phosphide [UN1360] [Dangerous when wet]