Triphosfaatin

Triphosfaatin, also known as triphosphate, is a term used in chemistry and biochemistry to denote a molecule or anion that contains three phosphate units linked by two phosphoanhydride bonds. The core motif is a linear chain of three phosphate groups connected by P–O–P linkages. In practice, triphosphate is encountered in two broad contexts: organic molecules in biology and inorganic polyphosphate salts.

In biology, nucleoside triphosphates (for example ATP, GTP, CTP, UTP) consist of a nucleoside attached to three phosphate groups. They function primarily as energy carriers and phosphate donors in metabolism and as substrates for synthesis of RNA. The hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate releases energy that powers many cellular processes. Nucleoside triphosphates also participate in signaling and enzymatic activity.

In inorganic and materials chemistry, triphosphate refers to the triphosphate anion [P3O10]5− and related salts. These compounds occur naturally as polyphosphates and are manufactured commercially as salts such as tripolyphosphate, notably sodium tripolyphosphate, which is used as a detergent builder and a food additive under polyphosphate additives (such as E452). Polyphosphates are hydrolyzed over time to shorter chains or to orthophosphate.

Chemical properties: triphosphate groups are highly polar and retain negative charges. They are relatively energy-rich due to the two phosphoanhydride bonds, but their reactivity depends on pH and the presence of metal ions or enzymes.