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Understanding Ferric Phosphate: CAS Number and Its Importance

Ferric phosphate is a compound that plays a critical role in various industries, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food production. If you’re looking to understand more about ferric phosphate, particularly its chemical significance and applications, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss ferric phosphate, its CAS number, and why it is essential in different fields.

What is Ferric Phosphate?

Ferric phosphate, also known as iron(III) phosphate, is a chemical compound composed of iron, phosphorus, and oxygen. Its chemical formula is FePO₄. This compound exists in several forms, including anhydrous, monohydrate, and dicalcium ferric phosphate. Each form has distinct properties and applications, making ferric phosphate a versatile compound.

CAS Number of Ferric Phosphate

The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) assigns a unique numerical identifier, known as the CAS number, to every chemical substance. For ferric phosphate, the CAS number is 10045-86-0. This identifier is crucial for researchers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies as it helps in the accurate identification and classification of the substance, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and facilitating communication across different sectors.

Applications of Ferric Phosphate

1. Agriculture

Ferric phosphate is widely used as a fertilizer in agriculture. It provides essential nutrients to plants, particularly phosphorus, which is vital for root development and energy transfer within the plant. The slow-release nature of ferric phosphate makes it an excellent choice for sustainable farming practices, promoting healthy crop growth without the risk of nutrient runoff.

2. Pharmaceuticals

In the pharmaceutical industry, ferric phosphate is utilized as an iron supplement. It is often used in formulations for treating iron deficiency anemia, as it provides a bioavailable source of iron. The compound is generally well-tolerated by patients, making it a popular choice among healthcare providers.

3. Food Industry

Ferric phosphate is also employed in the food industry as a food additive and colorant. It is used to fortify foods with iron, helping to combat iron deficiency in populations at risk. Additionally, it can serve as an anti-caking agent in powdered foods, ensuring consistent texture and quality.

4. Water Treatment

Another significant application of ferric phosphate is in water treatment processes. It is used to remove impurities and contaminants from water, helping to maintain clean water supplies. Its effectiveness in binding with phosphates makes it an important tool in reducing eutrophication in water bodies.

Conclusion

Ferric phosphate is a multifaceted compound with a wide range of applications across various industries. Its CAS number, 10045-86-0, serves as a vital reference point for researchers and industry professionals. Whether in agriculture as a fertilizer, in pharmaceuticals as an iron supplement, or in water treatment processes, ferric phosphate continues to play an essential role in promoting health, sustainability, and environmental protection.

For more information about ferric phosphate and its applications, feel free to reach out to industry experts or consult scientific databases. Understanding its properties and uses can help you make informed decisions, whether you are in research, manufacturing, or any other field related to this important compound.