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In chemistry, a phosphate is an anion, salt, functional group or ester derived from a phosphoric acid. It most commonly means orthophosphate, a derivative of orthophosphoric acid, a.k.a. phosphoric acid H 3 PO 4. The phosphate or orthophosphate ion [PO 4] 3− is derived from phosphoric acid by the removal of three protons H +.
The term phosphate is also used in organic chemistry for the functional groups that result when one or more of the hydrogens are replaced by bonds to other groups. These acids, together with their salts and esters , include some of the best-known compounds of phosphorus, of high importance in biochemistry , mineralogy , agriculture , pharmacy ...
Phosphate is also used in animal feed supplements, food preservatives, anti-corrosion agents, cosmetics, fungicides, ceramics, water treatment and metallurgy. The production of fertilizer is the largest source responsible for minerals mined for their phosphate content.
A sodium phosphate is a generic variety of salts of sodium (Na +) and phosphate (PO 3− 4). Phosphate also forms families or condensed anions including di-, tri-, tetra-, and polyphosphates . Most of these salts are known in both anhydrous (water-free) and hydrated forms.
Phosphate is an inorganic anion of phosphoric acid OP(OH) 3. There are also organophosphorus compounds with the formula OP(OR) 3. Subcategories.
Calcium phosphate stones account for approximately 15% of kidney stone disease. Calcium phosphate stones tend to grow in alkaline urine, especially when Proteus bacteria are present. It is the most common type in pregnant women. [6] Calcium phosphate is the usual constitution of microcalcifications of the breast, particularly dystrophic ...
High-energy phosphate bonds are usually pyrophosphate bonds, acid anhydride linkages formed by taking phosphoric acid derivatives and dehydrating them. As a consequence, the hydrolysis of these bonds is exergonic under physiological conditions, releasing Gibbs free energy. [citation needed]
Low phosphate levels are an important limit to growth in a number of plant ecosystems. The vast majority of phosphorus compounds mined are consumed as fertilisers. Phosphate is needed to replace the phosphorus that plants remove from the soil, and its annual demand is rising nearly twice as fast as the growth of the human population.