Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄) – Technical, Fertilizer & Food Grade Supply
Chemical Formula: H₃PO₄
CAS Number: 7664-38-2
HS Code: 2809.20
UN Number: 1805 (Corrosive Liquid, Class 8)
Also Known As: Orthophosphoric Acid, Phos Acid
Typical Concentrations: 75% and 85% H₃PO₄ (≈ 54–62% P₂O₅ merchant grade)
Phosphoric acid is the primary intermediate in the phosphate fertilizer industry and a versatile industrial chemical. Approximately 90% of global production is consumed in the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers (DAP, MAP, TSP and related compounds). The balance is used in food & beverage processing (as acidity regulator E338), detergents, water treatment, metal finishing, and other industrial applications.
Ametheus supplies technical/fertilizer-grade and food-grade phosphoric acid on FOB or CIF/CFR terms to fertilizer plants, industrial users, blenders and trade partners. Execution is on a stem basis — not open retail.
Technical Specifications
Typical traded grades. Final specification and Certificate of Analysis are confirmed on each stem.
| Parameter | Unit | Technical / Fertilizer Grade (typical) | Food Grade (FCC / USP typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| H₃PO₄ Assay | % | 75–85 min | 85.0–88.0 |
| P₂O₅ equivalent | % | 54–62 | ~61.5–62 |
| Appearance | — | Clear to pale yellow liquid | Clear, colorless, syrupy |
| Density (20–25°C) | g/cm³ | ~1.57–1.69 | ~1.685 (85%) |
| Arsenic (As) | ppm | As per plant / contract | ≤ 1–3 |
| Lead (Pb) | ppm | As per plant / contract | ≤ 1–3 |
| Fluoride (F) | ppm | Variable | ≤ 10 |
| Iron (Fe) | ppm | Variable | ≤ 10–20 |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ppm | As agreed | ≤ 5–10 |
| Sulfate (SO₄) | ppm | Variable | ≤ 100–150 |
Physical notes (85% solution): Density ≈ 1.685 g/cm³ at 25°C; freezing point ≈ 21°C. Lower concentrations (75%) have lower freezing risk and viscosity.
Key Applications
Fertilizer & Phosphate Industry (dominant use)
- Feedstock for DAP, MAP, TSP and NPK production
- Reaction with ammonia to produce ammonium phosphates
Food & Beverage (Food Grade only – E338)
- Acidulant and pH regulator in soft drinks (colas), jams, dairy and processed foods
- Yeast nutrient and preservative
Industrial
- Metal treatment, rust conversion and phosphating
- Water treatment (pH control, corrosion inhibition)
- Detergents, cleaning agents and descaling
- Production of phosphate salts and other chemicals
Packaging Options
- 35 kg and 330 kg HDPE drums
- 1,000–1,650 kg IBC totes
- ISO tanks or bulk liquid (subject to availability and terminal capability)
Storage & Handling
Phosphoric acid is corrosive to metals and tissue.
- Store in suitable plastic or lined tanks / approved packaging.
- Protect from freezing (especially 85% grade).
- Use appropriate PPE (acid-resistant gloves, goggles, protective clothing).
- UN 1805 – Class 8 Corrosive Liquid.
- Full SDS available on request.
Commercial Terms
- Incoterms 2020: FOB load port or CIF / CFR discharge port
- Payment: LC or CAD against documents on first stems
- Quality: Load-port and/or discharge inspection as agreed; COA and SDS provided
- Lots: From container quantities up to bulk stems, depending on grade and origin
Inquiry
For current availability, origin, grade (technical / fertilizer or food), concentration, quantity and delivery window, contact the commodities desk with:
- Product & grade
- Quantity
- Load or discharge port
- Delivery window
- Preferred Incoterm
Commodities desk
Ametheus Holdings Pvt Ltd
[email protected] | [email protected]
We respond on live stems.
