What Is The Function of Sodium Hexametaphosphate?
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What Is The Function of Sodium Hexametaphosphate?

Publish Time: 2022-07-19     Origin: Site

Sodium hexametaphosphate is an inorganic substance with the molecular formula (NaPO3)6, a white powder crystal or a colorless transparent glass flake or block solid. Soluble in water, insoluble in organic solvents. It has a strong hygroscopicity, and when exposed to air, it can gradually absorb water and become a sticky substance. It can form soluble complexes with metal ions such as calcium and magnesium. It has a wide range of applications in both food and industrial sectors.


  • What are the physical properties of sodium hexametaphosphate?

  • What are the synthesis methods of sodium hexametaphosphate?

  • What is the main application of sodium hexametaphosphate in the food industry?


The physical properties of shmp



Density: 2,181 g/cm3

Melting point: 616℃

Refractive index: 1,482

Appearance: white powder crystal

Solubility: slightly soluble in water, insoluble in organic solvents


The synthesis methods of shmp


1.Sodium dihydrogen phosphate method: neutralize the sodium solution with phosphoric acid at 80-100 ℃ for 2 hours, the resulting sodium dihydrogen phosphate solution is evaporated, concentrated, cooled and crystallized to obtain sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, heated to 110 ~230 ℃, to remove 2 crystal water, further heat to remove structural water, further heat to 620 ℃ to dehydrate, and the resulting sodium metaphosphate melt is polymerized to sodium hexametaphosphate. Then unloaded, quenched from 650°C to 60–80°C, tableted and powdered to obtain the finished product of sodium hexametaphosphate.


2. Phosphorus pentoxide process: Phosphorus pentoxide obtained by burning, oxidizing and cooling yellow phosphorus in a dry air stream is mixed with calcined soda at a certain ratio (Na2O:P2O5=1~1,1). The mixed powder is indirectly heated in a graphite crucible to dehydrate and melt, and the resulting sodium hexametaphosphate melt is quenched, tableted and pulverized to obtain an industrial sodium hexametaphosphate product.


3.The reagent sodium dihydrogen phosphate is heated to 700–900℃ for melting, when the melt is completely transparent and the inner bubbles disappear, it is quenched to 60–80℃ to obtain a flake glass product, which is sodium hexametaphosphate.


Main application of shmp in the food industry


(1) SHMP is used in meat products, fish sausages, ham, etc. used, which can improve water holding capacity, increase adhesion and prevent fat oxidation;

(2) SHMP used in bean paste and soy sauce can prevent discoloration, increase viscosity, shorten fermentation time, and adjust flavor;

(3) SHMP is used in fruit drinks and soft drinks, which can improve juice yield, increase viscosity and inhibit the breakdown of vitamin C;

(4) SHMP used in ice cream can improve the expansion capacity, increase the volume, enhance the emulsifying effect to prevent the destruction of the paste, and improve the taste and color;

(5) SHMP is used in dairy products and beverages to prevent gelatine precipitation;

(6) SHMP can be added to beer to clarify the liquid and prevent turbidity;

(7) SHMP is used in canned beans, fruits and vegetables to stabilize natural pigments and protect the color of food;

(8) The aqueous solution of SHMP is sprayed on the cured meat to improve the antiseptic effect.


This is the introduction to sodium hexametaphosphate. Do you have a deeper understanding? POLIFAR is committed to offering the most suitable sodium hexametaphosphate at a reasonable price.


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What is The Difference Between Food‑Grade and Industrial‑Grade Xanthan Gum?

Food‑grade xanthan gum complies with food‑safety regulations with strict control over heavy metals and impurities for food applications. Industrial‑grade has low sanitary indexes, only for industrial use and must not be consumed.

Is Xanthan Gum Bad for You?

It is safe for most people under normal intake. Excessive consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal bloating for a small group of people.

What Can I Use to Replace Xanthan Gum?

Common alternatives include guar gum, locust bean gum, pectin and CMC. Their thickening and suspending properties vary, so formula dosage needs adjustment.

Is Xanthan Gum An Emulsifier?

It is not a real emulsifier. It acts as a thickener‑stabilizer, reducing phase separation by raising system viscosity.

Is Xanthan Gum Vegan?

Yes. It is produced by microbial fermentation of carbohydrates, contains no animal‑sourced ingredients, suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

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