1. Product Overview
Calcium dihydrogen phosphate (monocalcium phosphate; MCP; Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, CAS 7758-23-8) is the most acidic of the calcium phosphate salts — a white crystalline powder that is one of the most versatile phosphate products in food, agriculture and nutrition. In the bakery industry it is the classic fast-acting leavening acid (food additive E341(i)): combined with sodium or potassium bicarbonate it releases carbon dioxide, making cakes, pancakes, muffins and biscuits rise quickly and evenly. In agriculture it is the water-soluble phosphate core of superphosphate fertilizers (single and triple superphosphate), delivering plant-available phosphorus to crops worldwide. The same bioavailable calcium and phosphorus profile makes it a standard mineral supplement in animal feed. One product, three industries — food leavening, fertilizer and feed nutrition — all built on its acidity and water-soluble phosphorus.
Core value propositions:
● Fast-Acting Leavening Acid (Core Application): reliable CO₂ release with sodium/potassium bicarbonate for consistent bakery rise;
● Water-Soluble Phosphate for Fertilizers: plant-available phosphorus in single and triple superphosphate;
● Calcium + Phosphorus Nutrition: bioavailable mineral source for animal feed and food fortification;
● Food-Grade Purity: E341(i) compliant grades for baking and food processing.
2. Product Information (Quick Facts)
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Calcium dihydrogen phosphate (monocalcium phosphate; calcium bis(dihydrogen phosphate)) |
Synonyms | MCP; monobasic calcium phosphate; acid calcium phosphate; calcium biphosphate; monocalcium orthophosphate; E341(i) |
CAS No. | 7758-23-8 (anhydrous); 10031-30-8 (monohydrate) |
Molecular Formula | Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ (CaH₄P₂O₈) |
Molecular Weight | 234.05 g/mol |
Appearance | White crystalline powder or granules |
Density | ≈ 2.22 g/cm³ |
Melting Point | ≈ 109 °C (decomposes) |
Solubility | Slightly soluble in water (≈ 2 g/100 mL); soluble in dilute acids |
Reaction | Acidic — reacts with carbonates/bicarbonates to release CO₂ |
3. Chemistry & Structure
Calcium dihydrogen phosphate, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ (MW 234.05), is the calcium salt of phosphoric acid carrying two dihydrogen phosphate (H₂PO₄⁻) groups per calcium ion — the most acidic member of the calcium phosphate family. It forms white/colorless solids with a triclinic crystal structure, supplied as the monohydrate Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O (CAS 10031-30-8) or the anhydrous form (CAS 7758-23-8). Food-grade material is produced by reacting calcium hydroxide with phosphoric acid (Ca(OH)₂ + 2 H₃PO₄ → Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ + 2 H₂O); fertilizer-grade material is made by acidulating phosphate rock — with phosphoric acid it forms triple superphosphate, and with sulfuric acid it forms single superphosphate together with gypsum. The two dihydrogen phosphate groups make the compound strongly acidic in water, which is the basis of its leavening action: with bicarbonate it releases carbon dioxide, and in soil it dissolves to give plant-available phosphate. Under improper storage it slowly converts to dicalcium phosphate and loses acidity. It is a white powder with a density of ≈ 2.22 g/cm³, melts with decomposition at ≈ 109 °C, is slightly soluble in water (≈ 2 g/100 mL), soluble in dilute acids, and is non-flammable.
4. Key Features & Benefits
● Fast-acting leavening acid: quick, controlled CO₂ release in baked goods.
● Water-soluble phosphorus: readily plant-available phosphate for fertilizer value.
● Dual mineral nutrition: supplies both calcium and phosphorus.
● Food-additive compliance: suitable for baking powders, mixes and processed foods.
● Stable, non-flammable solid: safe storage and transport.
● Consistent quality: controlled assay (Ca and P₂O₅ content), pH and particle size with COA.
5. Main Applications
5.1 Food & Bakery — Leavening Acid (Core Application)
MCP is the classic fast-acting leavening acid of the baking industry:
● Baking powders and self-rising flour: reacts with sodium/potassium bicarbonate to release CO₂ and leaven dough.
● Pancake, cake, muffin and biscuit mixes: fast-acting, consistent rise — AMCP/MCP release most CO₂ within minutes of mixing.
● Double-acting baking powder: combined with slow-acting sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP).
● Food additive E341(i): acidity regulator and calcium source in processed foods.
5.2 Fertilizers & Agriculture
● Triple superphosphate (TSP): Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ produced from phosphate rock and phosphoric acid.
● Single superphosphate (SSP): produced with sulfuric acid, alongside gypsum.
● Plant nutrition: water-soluble phosphate for direct crop root uptake.
5.3 Animal Feed & Nutrition
● Feed-grade monocalcium phosphate: calcium and phosphorus mineral supplement for poultry, swine and cattle.
● Bioavailable phosphorus source in compound and mineral feeds.
5.4 Food Processing & Fortification
● Acidity regulator in processed foods and beverages.
● Calcium fortification in nutrition products.
6. Packaging, Storage
Packaging (customizable):
● 25 kg multi-wall paper bags with PE liner; 1,000 kg big bags;
Storage:
● Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; keep containers tightly closed;
● Avoid moisture and direct contact with alkaline materials and carbonates (premature reaction);
● Keep away from incompatible alkaline substances.
7. Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?
● Factory-direct supply: own production and sourcing capability, transparent pricing, no middleman markup.
● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested (assay, Ca/P content, pH, particle size), COA with every shipment.
● Fast response: quotations and technical support (COA, SDS, application advice); small trial orders accepted.
8. FAQ
Q1: What is calcium dihydrogen phosphate used for?
Calcium dihydrogen phosphate (monocalcium phosphate, MCP) is a multi-industry phosphate. In food it is the classic fast-acting leavening acid (E341(i)) used in baking powders, pancake mixes and processed foods; in agriculture it is the water-soluble phosphate component of single and triple superphosphate fertilizers; and in animal nutrition it is a feed-grade source of calcium and phosphorus.
Q2: Why is calcium dihydrogen phosphate a good leavening agent?
Because it is acidic, it reacts quickly with sodium or potassium bicarbonate to release carbon dioxide, which expands the batter or dough and makes baked goods rise. Both the anhydrous form (AMCP) and the monohydrate (MCP) are fast acting — they release most of their CO₂ within minutes of mixing — which makes them the standard leavening acids for pancake, cake and muffin mixes, and for double-acting baking powders when combined with a slow-acting acid such as sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP).
Q3: Is calcium dihydrogen phosphate safe to handle?
Yes, in normal industrial use. It is a food additive (E341(i)) approved for food use, non-flammable and chemically stable (NFPA health 1). The fine powder can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, so use dust control, eye protection and gloves when handling. Avoid contact with alkaline materials, and store in a dry, sealed container — moisture and improper storage can gradually convert it to dicalcium phosphate and reduce its leavening performance. Follow the SDS for full handling guidance.
Q4: What is the difference between the anhydrous and monohydrate forms?
Both forms are calcium dihydrogen phosphate with identical leavening chemistry: the anhydrous form Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ (CAS 7758-23-8, "AMCP") contains no water of crystallization, while the monohydrate Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O (CAS 10031-30-8, "MCP" or "MCP-M") carries one molecule of water. Both are white, fast-acting leavening acids; the monohydrate is the form most commonly supplied for baking.