Trikalsiumfosfat

Trikalsiumfosfat, or tricalcium phosphate, is a chemical compound with the formula Ca3(PO4)2. It is a calcium phosphate salt that occurs in several polymorphic forms, most notably alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP). Beta-TCP is the more thermodynamically stable form at room temperature and is commonly used in biomedical applications; alpha-TCP forms at higher temperatures and can convert to the beta form over time.

Industrially, trikalsiumfosfat is produced by precipitation from calcium and phosphate sources or by calcination of calcium phosphate materials. The substance is a white, odorless powder that is relatively insoluble in water, dissolving slowly under acidic conditions to release calcium and phosphate ions. Its solubility and reactivity are influenced by pH and the specific polymorph.

Applications of trikalsiumfosfat are diverse. In nutrition, it serves as a source of calcium and phosphate for dietary supplements and fortified foods. In dentistry and orthopedics, TCP is used as a bone graft substitute and as a component in cements and related biomaterials, aiding mineralization and bone healing. It is also employed in some toothpaste formulations as a remineralization agent or filler. In agriculture, trikalsiumfosfat acts as a calcium and phosphorus source in fertilizers, offering slow-release nutrients to plants.

Safety and regulation reflect its long-standing use: trikalsiumfosfat is generally regarded as low-toxicity and is widely approved as a food additive, feed additive, and pharmaceutical excipient in many jurisdictions. As with other calcium phosphates, excessive intake can disrupt mineral balance and regulatory limits apply in foods and medicines.