orthophosphoric acid

[ awr-thoh-fos-fawr-ik, -for-, awr- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, crystalline solid, H 3 PO 4 , the tribasic acid of pentavalent phosphorus: used chiefly in fertilizers, as a source of phosphorus salts, and in soft drinks as an acidulant and flavoring agent.

orthophosphoric acid

/ ˌɔːθəʊfɒsˈfɒrɪk /

noun

1. a colourless soluble solid tribasic acid used in the manufacture of fertilizers and soaps. Formula: H 3 PO 4 Also calledphosphoric acid

Word History and Origins

Origin of orthophosphoric acid¹

First recorded in 1870–75; ortho- + phosphoric acid

Example Sentences

Write the equations for the preparation of the three sodium salts of orthophosphoric acid.

From Project Gutenberg