Vetyfosfaatti

Vetyfosfaatti, also known as bisulfate or hydrogen phosphate, is an anion with the chemical formula HPO4^2-. It is the conjugate base of phosphoric acid and the conjugate acid of phosphate. In aqueous solutions, vetyfosfaatti exists in equilibrium with phosphoric acid and phosphate ions, the exact distribution depending on the pH. It is a common component of phosphate buffers, which are widely used in biological and chemical applications to maintain a stable pH. Vetyfosfaatti salts, such as sodium vetyfosfaatti (Na2HPO4) and potassium vetyfosfaatti (K2HPO4), are soluble in water and are often employed as food additives, leavening agents, and in fertilizers.

The vetyfosfaatti ion plays a crucial role in biological systems, particularly in the metabolism of energy. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells, is hydrolyzed to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate, which can exist in equilibrium with vetyfosfaatti. This phosphate group is essential for many biochemical reactions, including phosphorylation, which is a key regulatory mechanism in cellular processes. In the environment, vetyfosfaatti is a component of the phosphorus cycle and is a nutrient for aquatic organisms. However, excessive levels of phosphates, including vetyfosfaatti, in waterways can lead to eutrophication, a process that can harm aquatic ecosystems.