Dihydrogen phosphate
Dihydrogen phosphate or dihydrogenphosphate ion is an with the formula [H2PO4]−. Phosphates occur widely in natural systems. These sodium phosphates are artificially used in food processing and packaging as emulsifying agents, neutralizing agents, surface-activating agents, and leavening agents providing humans with benefits. Emulsifying agents prevent separation of two ingredients in processed foods that would separate under natural conditions while neutralizing agents make processed foods taste fresher longer and lead to an increased shelf-life of these foods. Surface-activating agents prevent surface-tension formation on liquid-containing processed foods and finally, leavening agents are used in processed foods to aid in the expansion of yeast in baked goods. Dihydrogen phosphate is employed in the production of pharmaceuticals furthering their importance to medical practitioners of gastroenterology and humans in general. In this medical discipline, sodium phosphates are used as natural laxatives. Other medical applications include using sodium and potassium phosphates along with other medications to increase their therapeutic effects. Inflammation, certain cancers, and ulcers can benefit from the use of combination therapy with sodium and potassium phosphates. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, the potassium salt, is useful to human in the form of pesticides. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate is a fungicide that is used to prevent powdery mildew on many fruits. Fruits that can benefit from the addition of potassium dihydrogen phosphate includes common fruits, peppers, and roses. (Wikipedia).
