TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE- ▸ Heavy-duty cleaning: Degreaser in detergents and scouring powders
- ▸ Water treatment: Water softener and anti-scaling agent
- ▸ Food processing: Sequestrant and acidity regulator
- ▸ Pulp & paper: Processing aid in paper manufacture
- ▸ Leather & photo: Leather processing and photographic developing
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Trisodium phosphate (CAS 7601-54-9), TSP, is the tribasic sodium salt of orthophosphoric acid. Its strong alkalinity drives its primary use as a heavy-duty cleaning agent in soaps, detergents, and scouring powders, and as a water softener and boiler-scale remover. It also serves as a sequestrant and acidity regulator in food applications and is used in paper, leather, and photographic processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trisodium phosphate used for?
Trisodium phosphate (TSP, Na3PO4, CAS 7601-54-9) is a strongly alkaline tribasic sodium phosphate. Its main industrial use is as a heavy-duty cleaning agent and degreaser in detergents and scouring powders, plus use as a water softener and anti-scaling agent, a food-grade sequestrant and acidity regulator, and a processing aid in pulp, paper, leather, and photographic applications.
What is the chemical formula of trisodium phosphate?
The formula is Na3PO4 (also written Na3O4P), CAS 7601-54-9. It is the fully neutralized tribasic sodium salt of orthophosphoric acid and is strongly alkaline in solution.
Is trisodium phosphate the same as tripotassium phosphate?
No. Trisodium phosphate (Na3PO4, CAS 7601-54-9) is the sodium salt, while tripotassium phosphate (K3PO4, CAS 7778-53-2) is the potassium salt. Both are tribasic orthophosphate alkaline buffers but are distinct chemicals with different cations and specifications.
How is trisodium phosphate supplied and shipped in bulk?
TSP is typically supplied as a crystalline or granular solid (and as solution for some uses) in bags, drums, or bulk. It is classified for transport under UN 3262 (Sodium phosphate, tribasic). Review the SDS for the as-shipped grade before specifying packaging.
What is the HS code for trisodium phosphate?
Trisodium phosphate is generally classified under HS 2835.29 (phosphates, other). Confirm the final classification with your customs broker against the as-shipped grade and country of import.