Mónófosfates

Mónófosfates are chemical compounds containing the phosphate anion (PO₄³⁻) with a single negative charge. This occurs when a phosphoric acid molecule (H₃PO₄) loses one proton. The resulting anion has the chemical formula PO₄³⁻. However, in aqueous solutions, particularly at neutral pH, the phosphate ion is more accurately represented as H₂PO₄⁻, HPO₄²⁻, or PO₄³⁻, depending on the acidity. When referring to mónófosfates specifically, the focus is often on the form where only one proton has been removed from phosphoric acid, leading to the dihydrogen phosphate ion, H₂PO₄⁻.

Mónófosfates play crucial roles in biological systems. For instance, they are a fundamental component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells. The breakdown of ATP involves the removal of phosphate groups, releasing energy. In nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, mónófosfates form the phosphodiester backbone that links nucleotide bases. They are also involved in cellular signaling pathways, acting as phosphate donors or acceptors in enzymatic reactions.

In industry, mónófosfates find applications as food additives, particularly as leavening agents in baking (e.g., monocalcium phosphate). They are also used in fertilizers to provide phosphorus, an essential nutrient for plant growth. Various mónófosfate salts exist, differing in the cation they are paired with, such as sodium, potassium, or calcium. Their solubility and properties vary depending on the specific salt.