by Composition and Structure
Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate (DCBP), also known as anhydrous dicalcium phosphate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula CaHPO4. It exists as a white crystalline powder that is odorless and insoluble in water. The compound is composed of calcium, phosphorus, oxygen and hydrogen atoms bonded together in a monoclinic crystalline structure. Calcium and phosphorus atoms are arranged in a lattice structure joined by ionic and covalent bonds between the calcium and phosphate groups. Each calcium ion is bonded to four oxygen atoms from two phosphate groups, while each phosphate group contains one hydrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. The absence of water molecules gives DCBP its anhydrous property.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Some key physical and chemical properties of DCBP include:
– Melting Point: Decomposes at 1450°C without melting first.
– Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in dilute acids and aqueous solutions. Solubility increases in the presence of calcium, ammonium or potassium ions.
– Acid/Base Nature: Weakly acidic due to the hydrogen atom in the phosphate group.
– Powder Density: Approx. 2.9 g/cm3
– Heat Stability: Starts decomposing to other Anhydrous Dibasic Calcium Phosphate above 1100°C in the presence of air.
– Reactivity: Reacts with acids to form soluble calcium dihydrogen phosphates. Also reacts with bases to form insoluble tricalcium phosphates.
Uses and Applications
Due to its properties, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate has various industrial and nutritional applications:
– Dentifrices: Commonly used as a abrasive agent in toothpastes due to its mild abrasiveness and effects on dental mineralization.
– Pharmaceuticals: Acts as a source of calcium and phosphate ions. Used as an excipient in tablets, a filler in capsules and a binder in dry syrups.
– Food Additive: Approved as a firming agent with E number E341 in processed foods. Increases chewiness and enhances texture.
– Fertilizers: Provides phosphorus for plant growth when added to fertilizers. The calcium also acts as a micronutrient.
– Ceramics: Used as a setting agent in dental ceramics, orthopedic cements and bone cements where its abrasiveness facilitates polishing.
– Plaster: Acts as a hardening agent when mixed with plaster of Paris for dental moulds and casts.
Production
DCBP is commercially produced by heating dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) above 110°C in rotary kilns or fluidized bed reactors to drive off water molecules. This endothermic dehydration reaction yields anhydrous DCBP in powder form:
CaHPO4·2H2O (DCPD) → CaHPO4 (DCBP) + 2H2O
The DCBP was valued at USD 250 million in 2019. Asia Pacific dominates production due to low manufacturing costs. Key players include Hubei Xingfa Chemicals Group, Liaoyang Fuqiang Food Chemical, Lianyungang Dongzhou Chemical Technology and ICL Performance Products LP. DCBP demand is projected to grow 3-4% annually through 2027 driven by expansion of end use industries.
Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate is an industrially significant inorganic compound with a range of applications in dentifrices, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, ceramics and other areas. Its physical and chemical traits such as insolubility, acid-base behavior and abrasiveness underpin use. Produced commercially via dehydration of DCPD, DCBP continues to experience growing demand globally fueled by various industries. A thorough understanding of this compound’s composition, properties and commercial significance helps explain its versatile roles across multiple sectors.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. LinkedIn
