Monocalcium Phosphate (CAS: 7758-23-8)

Monocalcium phosphate is a chemical compound with the formula Ca(H2PO4)2 (“ACMP” or

“CMP-A” for anhydrous monocalcium phosphate). It is commonly found as the monohydrate

 (“”MCP” or “MCP-M”), Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O (CAS# 10031-30-8). Both salts are colourless solid

that are used mainly as a leavening agent.

Preparation

It is produced by treating calcium hydroxide with phosphoric acid:

Ca(OH)2 + 2 H3PO4 → Ca(H2PO4)2 + 2 H2O

Use as leavening agent

Calcium dihydrogen phosphate is used in the food industry as a leavening agent, i.e., to cause baked goods to

rise. Because it is acidic, when combined with an alkali ingredient, commonly sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

or potassium bicarbonate, it reacts to produce carbon dioxide and asalt. Outward pressure of the carbon dioxide gas

causes the rising effect. When combined in a ready-made baking powder, the acid and alkali ingredients are included

in the right proportions such that they will exactly neutralize each other and not significantly affect the overall pH of the

product. ACMP and MCP are fast acting, releasing most carbon dioxide within minutes of mixing. It is popularly used

in pancake mixes. In double acting baking powders, MCP is often combined with the slow acting acid sodium acid

pyrophosphate (SAPP)