sodium phosphate

noun

, Chemistry.

1. Also called monobasic sodium phosphate. a white, crystalline, slightly hygroscopic, water-soluble powder, NaH 2 PO 4 , used chiefly in dyeing and in electroplating.
2. Also called dibasic sodium phosphate, a water-soluble compound that in its anhydrous form, Na 2 HPO 4 , occurring as a white, crystalline, hygroscopic powder, is used chiefly in the manufacture of ceramic glazes, enamels, baking powder, and cheeses, and that in its hydrated form, Na 2 HPO 4 ⋅xH 2 O, occurring as clear colorless crystals, is used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes, fertilizers, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.
3. Also called tribasic sodium phosphate, a colorless water-soluble compound, Na 3 PO 4 ⋅12H 2 O, occurring as crystals: used chiefly in the manufacture of water-softening agents, detergents, paper, and textiles.

sodium phosphate

noun

1. any sodium salt of any phosphoric acid, esp one of three salts of orthophosphoric acid having formulas NaH 2 PO 4 ( monosodium dihydrogen orthophosphate ), Na 2 HPO 4 ( disodium monohydrogen orthophosphate ), and Na 3 PO 4 ( trisodium orthophosphate )

Word History and Origins

Origin of sodium phosphate¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

This result may be attained by adding sodium phosphate, or, better still, by the addition of ammonium oxalate in great excess.

From Project Gutenberg

Sodium sulphate and sodium phosphate crystals lose water even when exposed under ordinary conditions to dry air.

From Project Gutenberg

Titrate the boiling solution with the sodium phosphate till it ceases to give a brown colouration with potassium ferrocyanide.

From Project Gutenberg

Magnesia is separated from the filtrate by adding sodium phosphate.

From Project Gutenberg

The magnesia is precipitated from the filtrate by the addition of an excess of sodium phosphate and ammonia.

From Project Gutenberg