Sodium metaphosphate

Description

A small polymer, usually 3 to 20 units, of sodium phosphate. Small very long chains form vitreous compounds. Sodium metaphosphate is used as water softeners, sequestrants, detergents (Calgon®), emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and dental abrasives.

Synonyms and Related Terms

sodium hexametaphosphate; sodium trimetaphosphate; sodium polyphosphate; Maddrell's salt; Calgon; Graham's salts

Other Properties

pH of aqueous solution = 6.0 - 7.7

Composition	[NaPO3]n
CAS	10124-56-8
Melting Point	1184
Density	2.18
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. = 611.77

Hazards and Safety

Skin contact can cause irritation. Phosphates can be detrimental to the environment.

Fisher Scientific: MSDS

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 8787