Paramount Chemicals & Plastics, Inc.

Properties

Molecular formula

(NaPO3)6

Molar mass

611.77

Appearance

White, odorless, crystalline powder

Density

2.484 g/cm³

Melting point

550.0 °C

Structure

Molecular shape

Dipole moment

Hazards

Main hazards

Ingestion: May cause irritation Inhalation: Irritant Skin: May cause irritation Eyes: Irritant

NFPA 704

Risks

Safety

Flash point

Autoignition
temperature

Related compounds

Other anions

Other cautions

Related compounds

Description

Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is a hexamer of composition (NaPO3)6. Sodium hexametaphosphate of commerce is typically a mixture of polymeric metaphosphates, of which the hexamer is one, and is usually the compound referred to by this name. It is more correctly termed sodium polymetaphosphate. It is prepared by melting monosodium orthophosphate, followed by rapid cooling. SHMP hydrolyzes in aqueous solution, particularly under acidic conditions, to sodium trimetaphosphate and sodium orthophosphate. SHMP is used as a sequestrant and has applications in a wide variety of industries, including as a food additive in which it is used under the E number E452i. Sodium carbonate is sometimes added to SHMP to raise the pH to 8.0-8.6, which produces a number of SHMP products used for water softening and detergents. Also used as a dispersing agent to break down clay and other soil types.

Uses

Ceramic process
One of the lesser-known uses for sodium hexametaphosphate is as a deflocculent in the making of Terra sigillata, a ceramic technique using a fine particled slip. The sodium hexametaphosphate causes the heavy particles in the slip to drop to the bottom allowing the fine particles to be siphoned off and applied to a green ware ceramic surface.

Other Uses
Sodium hexametaphosphate is also a whitening ingredient included in Crest Pro-Health, Vivid White and Vivid White Night.[1]

It is also used as an additive in Rubicon Mango drinks and Diet Lipton teas.

SAFETY

International Chemical Safety Card

Sodium hexametaphosphate – Commercial Grade

Product Specification