Tricalcium phosphate (TCP)

Title: Calcium Phosphate, Tribasic

CAS Registry Number: 7758-87-4

Additional Names: Tricalcium orthophosphate; tricalcium phosphate; tertiary calcium phosphate

Trademarks: Calcigenol Simple

Molecular Formula: Ca3O8P2

Molecular Weight: 310.18

Percent Composition: Ca 38.76%, O 41.26%, P 19.97%

Line Formula: Ca3(PO4)2

Literature References: It is about 96% pure, usually contg an excess of CaO. Occurs in nature as the minerals: oxydapatit, voelicherite, whitlockite. The technical product is also known as “bone ash”. Commercial prepn from phosphate rock: Hignett, Hubbard, Ind. Eng. Chem. 38, 1208 (1946); Elmore, US 2474831 (1949 to T.V.A.); Hollingsworth, US 2556541 and US 2562718 (both 1951 to Coronet Phosphate); Brosheer, Hignett, Chem. Eng. Rept. no. 7, 143 pp (1953).

Properties: Amorphous, odorless, tasteless powder. mp 1670°. d 3.14. Practically insol in water, alcohol or acetic acid; sol in dil HCl or HNO3.

Melting point: mp 1670°

Density: d 3.14

Use: Manuf of fertilizers, H3PO4 and P compds; manuf milk-glass, polishing and dental powders, porcelains, pottery; enameling; clarifying sugar syrups; in animal feeds; as noncaking agent; in the textile industry.

Therap-Cat: Calcium replenisher.

Therap-Cat-Vet: Has been used as a dietary supplement, and as an antacid.

Keywords: Replenishers/Supplements; Calcium.