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Tripotassium phosphate
Chemical compound From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Tripotassium phosphate, also called tribasic potassium phosphate[3] is a water-soluble salt with the chemical formula K3PO4.(H2O)x (x = 0, 3, 7, 9).[4] Tripotassium phosphate is basic: a 1% aqueous solution has a pH of 11.8.[4]
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Production
Tripotassium phosphate is produced by the neutralization of phosphoric acid with potassium hydroxide:[4]
- H3PO4 + 3KOH → K3PO4 + 3H2O
Use in organic chemistry

Tripotassium phosphate has few industrial applications, however it is commonly used as a base in laboratory-scale organic chemistry. Being insoluble in organic solvents, it is an easily removed proton acceptor in organic synthesis. The anhydrous salt is especially basic.[5] Some of the reactions are listed below:
- The hydrate (K3PO4·H2O) has been used to catalyze the deprotection of BOC amines. Microwave radiation is used to aid the reaction.[6]
- As a catalyst for the synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl ethers using [Bmim]BF4 as the solvent. Aryl methane-sulfonates are deprotected and then followed by a nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) with activated aryl halides.[7]
- As a base in the cross-coupling reaction of aryl halides with terminal alkynes. It also plays a role in the deacetonation of 4-aryl-2-methylbut-3-yn-2-ol intermediates.[8]
- As the base in the cross-coupling reaction between aryl halides and phenols or aliphatic alcohols.[9]
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Use in foods
Tripotassium phosphate can be used in foods as a buffering agent, emulsifying agent, and for nutrient fortification. It can serve as a sodium-free substitute for trisodium phosphate. The ingredient is most common in dry cereals but is also found in meat, sauces, and cheeses.[10]
References
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