Tetrasodium pyrophosphate

Sodium pyrophosphate, also referred to as tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) is an odorless white crystalline powder or granular material. It functions as a buffering agent in laboratory settings and has proven effective in preparing EDTA-sodium pyrophosphate extraction buffers for microcystin analysis in soil samples. This compound is widely used across multiple applications, serving as a water softener, buffering agent, thickener, dispersant, and wool degreasing agent. It also acts as a metal cleaner, a builder in soaps and synthetic detergents, and a general sequestering agent in electrodeposition processes. Additionally, TSPP is incorporated as a tartar control agent in oral care products such as toothpaste and dental floss, and serves as a chelating agent in antimicrobial formulations. It is further approved as a food additive to improve moisture retention and texture in products including chicken nuggets, imitation crab meat, and canned tuna.

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Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (TSPP), also known as sodium pyrophosphate or tetrasodium diphosphate, is a mildly alkaline coagulant, emulsifier, and sequestrant with a pH of approximately 10. It exhibits moderate water solubility of around 0.8 g per 100 ml at 25°C. In food applications, TSPP functions as a gelling agent to thicken non-cooked instant puddings, improves cheese texture by reducing meltability and preventing fat separation, acts as a dispersant in malted milk and chocolate drink powders, and inhibits crystal formation in canned tuna. This non-toxic and biocompatible compound is also utilized as an electroactive medium for exfoliating surface coatings and serves as a multifunctional additive across various food and industrial processes.