Polifoszfát

Polifoszfát is a general term for salts or esters of polyphosphoric acids. Polyphosphoric acids are compounds formed by the linking of phosphoric acid molecules through ether bonds, resulting in chains of phosphate groups. These chains can vary in length, with shorter chains being more common. In a more specific chemical context, polifoszfát often refers to the condensed inorganic phosphate anions found in polyphosphate salts, characterized by a chain of phosphate units connected by P-O-P linkages. These anions can be linear or cyclic.

The properties of polifoszfát compounds depend largely on the length of the phosphate chain and the accompanying cation. In biological systems, polyphosphates are important molecules involved in energy metabolism, acting as phosphate donors in reactions catalyzed by enzymes like pyruvate kinase. They are found in various organisms, including bacteria, where they can serve as a reserve form of phosphate and energy. Industrially, polifoszfát salts are used in a range of applications. For instance, some polifoszfát salts are employed as food additives, functioning as emulsifiers, sequestrants, and leavening agents. They can also be found in detergents to soften water and improve cleaning efficiency by chelating calcium and magnesium ions. In agriculture, certain polifoszfát compounds are used as fertilizers.