Sodium pyrophosphate, also called tetrasodium pyrophosphate
or tetrasodium phosphate, is a slightly toxic and mildly
irritating colorless transparent crystalline
chemical compound with the formula 27 and
CAS number 7722-88-5. It is used as a buffer, an
emulsifier, and a thickening agent , and is often used as
a food additive. Common foods containing sodium pyrophosphate
include chicken nuggets, imitation crab , and soy-based
meat alternatives.
In toothpaste, sodium pyrophosphate acts as a tartar control
agent, serving to remove calcium and magnesium from saliva
and thus preventing them from being deposited on teeth.
Sodium pyrophosphate is sometimes used in household detergents to
prevent similar deposition on clothing, but due to its
phosphate content it causes eutrophication of water,
promoting algae growth.
Last updated: 05-14-2005 04:48:01