Orthophosphoric acid, also known as phosphoric acid, is an inorganic acid with a polar molecular structure that is highly soluble in water. It is commonly used as a food additive to acidify beverages, but has been linked to a lack of bone density and kidney stones.
Orthophosphoric acid is an inorganic acid. It is also known as phosphoric acid. Technically, the term phosphoric acid refers to a wide variety of phosphorous-based acids, but it is often used to refer specifically to orthophosphoric acid by both scientists and laymen. The chemical structure is H3PO4, but these molecules can be recombined to produce a number of compounds. Any derivative of this acid is also known as phosphoric acids.
The pure form of this acid is solid and white at room temperature. At 108.23°F (42.35°C), orthophosphoric acid will melt, resulting in a colorless, viscous liquid. At room temperature, this compound is typically anhydrous, meaning it does not contain water. However, it has a polar molecular structure, which means that it is extremely soluble in water.
As a chemical reagent, this acid often converts to aqueous or water-containing solutions. These can have potentiometric concentrations of hydrogen ions (pH) ranging from 1.08 to 7.00, depending on the amount of acid present. An 85% acid solution is corrosive, but can be made non-toxic by dilution.
One of the most common uses for this acid is as a food additive. In Europe, it is identified by the food additive code E338. It is mainly used to acidify foods and beverages, especially colas. Both Pepsi and Coca-Cola use orthophosphoric acid to give their drinks a slightly sour taste. This acid is mass-produced at low cost, making it the second most common choice for this process. Citric acid, which produces the same flavor, usually comes first.
Orthophosphoric acid has been linked to a lack of bone density in several studies. One study, conducted between 1996 and 2001 and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed a statistically significant loss of bone density in women who consumed cola daily. Another study, funded by the Pepsi Corporation, claimed that a lack of phosphorus in the body could lead to lower bone density.
Further research led to claims that caffeine, not phosphoric acid, was responsible for the observed bone density loss. A 2001 study, using women who drank three cups of cola per day, found that any loss in bone density was likely due to displacement of milk in the body, rather than as a result of phosphorus or caffeine consumption. This acid has also been linked to kidney stones and chronic kidney disease. Research again points to cola consumption as the culprit, but the exact mechanism of action and the degree to which orthophosphoric acid is involved is unknown.
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