Properties of Calcium Hypophosphite
Calcium hypophosphite is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water. Some of the key properties of calcium hypophosphite are:
- Molecular formula: Ca(H2PO2)2
- Melting point: 110°C
- Density: 2.36 g/cm3
- Solubility: Readily soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions but decomposes above 110°C releasing phosphine gas
- Odor: Odorless
Production of Calcium Hypophosphite
Calcium Hypophosphite is commercially produced through the reaction of calcium hydroxide with hypophosphorous acid. The chemical reaction is as follows:
Ca(OH)2 + 2H3PO2 → Ca(H2PO2)2 + 2H2O
In the production process, calcium hydroxide is first slaked with water to form calcium hydroxide slurry. This slurry is then reacted with hypophosphorous acid solution under controlled temperature and pH conditions. The resulting calcium hypophosphite precipitates out of the solution which is then filtered, washed and dried to obtain the final product.
Uses of Calcium Hypophosphite
Some key uses and applications of calcium hypophosphite are discussed below:
Fire Retardancy
Calcium hypophosphite is widely used as a fire retardant chemical in building materials such as wood, paper, rubber, textiles etc. It acts by releasing non-combustible gases upon heating which dilute flammable gases and interrupts the flame. This makes materials harder to ignite and helps reduce the fire spread.
Food Preservation
In the food industry, calcium hypophosphite is approved as a preservative for meat, poultry and seafood products. It inhibits the growth of bacteria, molds and yeasts responsible for food spoilage. The preservative action helps increase the shelf life of packaged and processed foods.
Water Treatment
It is used in industrial water treatment processes for scale and corrosion control. By sequestering calcium ions, it helps prevent the precipitation of calcium carbonate scale in boilers, cooling towers, piping systems etc. It also exerts an inhibitory effect on corrosion caused by water.
Other Uses
Some other uses of calcium hypophosphite include its use as a reducing agent in electroplating, as a plant nutrient in agriculture to boost yields and as a stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide and other organic peroxides.
Significance as an Industrial Chemical
Given its wide array of applications and uses across different industries, calcium hypophosphite has emerged as an important industrial chemical worldwide. Some figures highlighting its significance:
- Global production capacity is over 300,000 tons per annum with continued growth.
- Major producers include China, Japan, Western Europe and the USA with China having the largest share.
- Value of the global calcium hypophosphite market was estimated at USD 350 million in 2020.
- Key end user industries consuming calcium hypophosphite are construction, food processing, chemical manufacturing, agriculture, pulp & paper etc.
- It replaces other phosphorus based compounds in many applications due to lower toxicity.
Health and Safety Aspects
While calcium hypophosphite has advantages as an industrial chemical, certain safety precautions must be taken during its production, transportation, storage and handling. Key safety aspects include:
- Wear protective equipment like gloves, goggles during handling to avoid contact with skin and eyes.
- Work in well ventilated areas as phosphine gas released during decomposition is toxic.
- Avoid inhalation of dust during production.
- Store in a dry, cool place away from direct heat and sunlight.
- Spills should be cleaned up immediately with absorbent material and disposed of safely.
- Follow industry mandated safety norms and guidelines.
Calcium hypophosphite is a phosphorus based compound that has emerged as a vital industrial chemical due to its varied applications. Its use is increasing steadily in areas like construction, food preservation, metallurgy and water treatment where it provides advantages over alternative chemicals. With continued demand growth from key end user industries, calcium hypophosphite's significance as an industrial commodity is poised to further rise in the coming years. Adherence to proper safety practices during its production, handling and use is also essential.
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