Overview

The three forms of sodium phosphate are formed when one or more of the three hydrogen atoms in phosphoric acid (H3PO4) are replaced by sodium atoms. When one hydrogen is replaced, the monobasic form is produced; replacing two hydrogen atoms results in the formation of the dibasic form; and replacing all three hydrogens results in the formation of tribasic sodium phosphate. All three forms of sodium phosphate are colorless to white crystalline solids or white powders. All may occur as hydrates, such as monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate and dihydrate (NaH₂PO₄·H₂O and NaH₂PO₄·₂H₂O); dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, heptahydrate, and dodecahydrate (Na₂HPO₄·₂H₂O, Na₂HPO₄·₇H₂O, and Na₂HPO₄·₁₂H₂O); and tribasic sodium phosphate dodecahydrate (Na₃PO₄·₁₂H₂O).

Key Facts

Other Names:

See Overview

Formula:

Monobasic: NaH₂PO₄; Dibasic: Na₂HPO₄; Tribasic: Na₃PO₄

Elements: