Industrial grade Food Grade Tetrasodium pyrophosphate CAS 7722-88-5

What is Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (CAS 7722-88-5)?

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) is a sodium salt of pyrophosphate and is a member of the family of condensed phosphates (polyphosphates). The usual chemical formula is written as:

Na4P2O7. Decahydrate CAS No.: 7722-88-5 Molecular weight: ~265.90 CAS No.: 13472-36-1

At room temperature it is a white crystalline powder or granules, the anhydrous form being a white powder and the decahydrate form being colorless or white crystals. It is slightly hygroscopic and has a relative density of about 2.53 and a melting point of about 988 °C. Sodium pyrophosphate is easily soluble in water . The aqueous solution is alkaline ( pH of 1 % aqueous solution is about 10 ) . It is not soluble in Ethanol.

From a molecular framework point of view, sodium pyrophosphate is made up of four sodium ions (Na+) and one pyrophosphate ion (P2O7⁴-). The pyrophosphate ion is formed by condensation and dehydration of two phosphate ions. Pyrophosphate can chelate with calcium, magnesium and heavy metal ions. It has also excellent buffering and emulsifying properties. In food, it can chelate metal ions, modify pH, and encourage the binding of proteins and water. This " chelation + water retention + buffering " ability is the basic reason for its wide application in food industry .

Sodium pyrophosphate is a typical condensed phosphate in chemical properties; it is alkaline in aqueous solution, forms complexes with alkaline earth metal and heavy metal ions, and is easily decomposed on heating (prolonged boiling hydrolyzes it to phosphates). Sodium pyrophosphate for food use shall meet the quality standards for food additives and shall be stored in a dry, well-closed container.

Food-grade sodium pyrophosphate means products intended for food processing, used as food additives (moisture retainers, chelating agents, emulsifiers, texture modifiers). Food grade products pay more attention to the following indicators than industrial grade products:

Main content

Water retention and chelation effects are directly related to purity.

Heavy metal limits (lead, arsenic, fluorine, etc.)

Food additives must meet quality standards for food additives, which are important safety indicators, and have strict limits for harmful impurities such as lead, arsenic and fluorine.

Water insoluble material

Water-insoluble matter affects the sensory quality and processing performance of food and should be kept low.

Alkalinity and pH

The aqueous solution is alkaline and the pH stability is responsible for the buffering and water retention characteristics of the food system which must be in compliance with the specifications.

Moisture

Sodium pyrophosphate is slightly hygroscopic. Excessive moisture content affects the measurement and storage stability, therefore it has to be controlled and sealed in the packaging.

What are the uses of food-grade Tetrasodium pyrophosphate?

1. Water retention and tenderization of meat products (core application)

Sodium pyrophosphate is a major moisture retainer and tenderizer in meat processing. It can chelate metal ions and promote the water absorption and swelling of muscle protein when used in combination with potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate etc, greatly enhance the water retention and tenderness of meat products such as ham, sausage and meatballs, improve the taste and reduce the cooking losses.

2.Aquatic products retain water and increase weight

In the processing of seafood, sodium pyrophosphate helps seafood products such as shrimp, fish balls and crab sticks retain moisture, reduce juice loss during thawing and cooking, improve product color and elasticity and increase yield.

3. Emulsification and Stabilization of Milk Products

Sodium pyrophosphate is used as an emulsifying salt and stabilizer in dairy products. It helps dairy products such as cheese to emulsify evenly in heating, preventing fat separation, and improving meltability and texture.

4. Stability and buffering of beverages

Sodium pyrophosphate can be used as a stabilizer and pH buffer in beverages, chelating metal ions in beverages, preventing turbidity and precipitation and helping to maintain the clarity and flavor stability of beverages.

5. Enhancing the Quality of Flour Products

Sodium pyrophosphate is used in the manufacture of noodle and dumpling wrappers and other flour products. It chelates metal ions, regulates gluten network structure, promotes dough extensibility, and the chewiness of finished products.

6. Systems of Confectionery and Leavening

Compound leavening agents may include sodium pyrophosphate as the acid salt component. It may also be used in combination with carbonates in baked products such as pastries and biscuits to help control the rate of gas production and improve the leavening effect.

7. Printing and dyeing and textile articles

Sodium pyrophosphate is a dyeing and bleaching auxiliary and wool degreasing agent used to assist in bleaching, degreasing and dyeing of fibers. "It may indirectly be used in the dyeing and printing process of the fabrics we wear.

8. Electroplated electronic products and hardware

Sodium pyrophosphate is a complexing agent for metal ions such as copper in electroplating solutions and is widely used in the surface treatment of hardware and electronic components. Sodium pyrophosphate is used in the production chain of plating for faucets, locks, electronic connectors, etc.

9. Detergent

It is used as a detergent builder and a water softener to precipitate calcium and magnesium ions from hard water and improve the detergency of the washing powder. The laundry powders and liquids we use may have sodium pyrophosphate in their formulations.

10. Water treatment and boilers (indirect contact)

Sodium pyrophosphate is commonly used as a water softener and boiler descaler. It binds calcium and magnesium ions in water and prevents scale formation. It might be indirectly involved in the treatment of the water in our water heaters and HVAC systems.

11. Other Uses for Food

The application scope of food-grade sodium pyrophosphate is still expanding, such as improving the quality of canned foods, stabilizing condiments, and preserving the color and crispness of fruit and vegetable products.

Summarize

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) is a white, powdery condensed phosphate, readily soluble in water to give an alkaline aqueous solution. It serves several functions: chelation, water retention, emulsification and buffering. We are indirectly exposed to it in our daily lives through the electroplating of hardware and electronics, detergents, food, textile printing and dyeing, ceramic tiles and water treatment processes. In the food industry, sodium pyrophosphate (food grade) is commonly used as a water retaining and tenderizing agent in meat and seafood products, as an emulsifying stabilizer in dairy products, as a stabilizing buffer in beverage, as a quality improver in flour products and as a component of pastry leavening system. It is an important food additive for taste, texture and stability of food.