Aluminum phosphate is a chemical compound that occurs naturally as the mineral berlinite. It is an inorganic salt composed of aluminum and phosphate ions. The chemical formula for aluminum phosphate is AlPO4. It is used in cake mixes and some baking powders as a leavening agent to help baked goods rise. Aluminum phosphate is also used in ceramics, dental cements, cosmetics, paints, paper, and pharmaceuticals.
Aluminum phosphate is an odorless, white crystalline solid that can be in liquid or gel form. It is a corrosive chemical that reacts violently with strong bases such as sodium hydroxide. It is also a hazardous substance that is cited by OSHA, ACGIH, DOT, and NIOSH. Aluminum phosphate is on the Right to Know Hazardous Substance List.
The molecular weight of aluminum phosphate is 121.95 g/mol. It appears as a white powder with a density of 2.566 g/cm3 in solid form. Aluminum phosphate has several functions, such as a flame retardant, antacid, fungicide, catalyst, and food additive.
The positive and negative ions in aluminum phosphate are aluminum (Al3+) and phosphate (PO43-) ions, respectively.
