natriumtrifosforiidissa

Natriumtrifosforiidissa is the Finnish name for sodium triphosphate, often abbreviated as STPP. It is the sodium salt of the pentavalent phosphorus oxyacid. STPP has the chemical formula Na5P3O10. It is a white, granular or powdered solid that is readily soluble in water.

In its anhydrous form, STPP is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. It exists in two crystalline forms: Form I and Form II, with Form I being the more soluble and reactive form.

STPP is a builder in laundry detergents and cleaning agents. It softens water by chelating calcium and magnesium ions, which prevents them from forming soap scum and interfering with the action of surfactants. This ability to sequester metal ions also makes it useful in industrial cleaning applications.

Beyond its cleaning applications, STPP is used as a preservative in foods, particularly in processed meats and seafood, to retain moisture and improve texture. It also acts as an emulsifier and a buffering agent in certain food products. In the food industry, it is often designated by the E number E451.

Other uses for sodium triphosphate include water treatment, as a dispersant in ceramics and pigments, and in toothpaste formulations to prevent tartar buildup. Due to environmental concerns regarding eutrophication caused by phosphate runoff, the use of STPP in detergents has been restricted or banned in many regions.