Hydrofoosfaat

Hydrofoosfaat is a term that can refer to several chemical compounds containing both hydrogen and phosphate ions. The specific meaning depends on the context and the precise stoichiometry of the ions involved. In a general sense, it points to an acidic phosphate salt.

One common compound sometimes referred to by this name is monohydrogen phosphate, which has the chemical formula HPO4^2-. This ion is formed when phosphoric acid (H3PO4) loses one proton. It is a key species in biological systems, particularly in buffering systems like the phosphate buffer system, which helps maintain a stable pH in cells and bodily fluids. Monohydrogen phosphate is also found in various mineral salts, such as disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4) and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate (K2HPO4), which have industrial and food applications.

Another possibility is dihydrogen phosphate, with the formula H2PO4^-. This ion is formed when phosphoric acid loses two protons. It is also involved in biological buffering and is a component of minerals like calcium dihydrogen phosphate (Ca(H2PO4)2). The relative amounts of monohydrogen and dihydrogen phosphate in a solution are highly dependent on the pH.

Less commonly, "hydrofoosfaat" might refer to the dianion of pyrophosphoric acid (H2P2O7^2-). However, without further specification, the most frequent interpretations relate to species derived from phosphoric acid. Understanding the exact compound requires knowledge of the counterions present or the specific context in which the term is used.