Overview

The three forms of calcium phosphate (KAL-see-um FOSS-fate) all occur as tasteless, odorless, colorless to white crystalline or powdery solids.

Dibasic calcium phosphate, CaHPO₄, is also called calcium monohydrogen phosphate, dicalcium orthophosphate, or secondary calcium phosphate. It is usually found in the form of hydrate, such as CaHPO₄·2H₂O. It does not melt, instead decomposing when heated to 109°C (228°F).

Monobasic calcium phosphate, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, is also known as calcium hypophosphite, calcium biphosphate, acid calcium phosphate, monocalcium orthophosphate, and primary calcium phosphate. It usually exists in the form of the hydrate Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O. It decomposes when heated to 200°C (400°F)

Key Facts

Other Names:

see Overview

Formula:

see Overview

Elements:

calcium, hydrogen, phosphorus, oxygen

Compound Type:

Inorganic salts

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

136.06 to 310.20 g/mol

Melting Point:

see Overview; tribasic form: 1670°C (3040°F)

Boiling Point:

Not applicable

Solubility:

See Overview...