Phosphoric Acid

About Phosphoric Acid:

• It is a non-combustible, colorless, odorless phosphorus-containing inorganic acid. 
• Phosphoric acid is not directly found in nature. It can be obtained from phosphate rock deposits.
• Uses
  • It is used to make phosphate salts for fertilizers.
  • It is also used in dental cements, in the preparation of albumin derivatives, and in the sugar and textile industries.
  • It serves as an acidic, fruitlike flavouring in food products.
  • It is also used in lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries.
  • It is used in the manufacture of superphosphate fertilisers, livestock feeds, phosphate salts, polyphosphates, soaps, waxes, polishes and detergents.
• It is an irritant or corrosive to the skin, eyes, and other mucous membranes.
• India imports phosphoric acid mainly from Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia.

Key facts about Phosphate Rock

• It is the natural source of phosphorus, an element that provides nutrients to plants for their growth and development.
• How is phosphate formed? It is a sedimentary rock formed millions of years ago by the accumulation of organic matter on the ocean floor.
• Its reserves are found in Africa, North America, Kazakhstan, the Middle East and Oceania.
• The world’s largest deposits are located in Morocco, which is also one of the global leaders in phosphate extraction.
• Phosphorus in India: Phosphate rocks are majorly produced only from two States in India, namely Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Q1: What are Sedimentary rocks?

These are formed from the accumulation and lithification (compaction and cementation) of sediments. Sediments are small particles of rocks, minerals, organic matter, or shells that are eroded and transported by water, wind, ice, or gravity. 

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