Physical Properties : Sodium tripolyphosphate , in the form of white free flowing powder is a polyphosphate of sodium . It is the sodium salt of triphosphoric acid . It is also reffered as STPP as its short form .Its molecular weight is 368 . Its PH in 1% solution is 9.8 . It is avaliable in two forms _ either in granular form or in the form of crushed particles . It is soluble in water but is slightly harmful when mixed with warm water .
Formula : NA5 P3 O10
Synonyms : Pentasodium Triphosphate; Pentasodium Tripolyphosphate; Sodium Triphosphate;
Uses : Sodium tripolyphosphate is widely used as food additives and in the preservation of sea and pet foods, meats and poultries. It plays a basic role as a fundamental component in various cleansing products , because it is a very good water softener . Thus it is the main building agent of detergents and soaps . It also has the power of improving the cleaning ability , and so is very much in demand by the toothpaste manufacturers . It is used in many household cleaners and as a sequestering agent too.
