Calcium Phosphate Formula

Calcium phosphate refers to a group of materials and minerals that contain calcium ions (Ca⁺²) and inorganic phosphate anions. Some "calcium phosphates" also contain oxide and hydroxide. Calcium phosphates are white solids with nutritional value that can be found in a wide range of living creatures, including bone mineral and tooth enamel. The calcium phosphate formula is Ca₃P₂O₈.

It resides in the colloidal form in micelles bound to casein protein with magnesium, zinc, and citrate–collectively known as colloidal calcium phosphate–in milk (CCP). Phosphoric acid and fertilisers are made from a variety of calcium phosphate minerals. Overuse of certain types of calcium phosphate can result in nutrient-laden surface runoff, which can cause algal blooms and eutrophication in receiving waters.

The calcium salt of phosphoric acid, calcium phosphate, has a wide range of applications. This chemical can be used to protect against strontium and radium radioactive exposure. Calcium phosphate competes for and prevents radium (Ra-226) and strontium (Sr-90) absorption in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract after oral intake.

Phosphate has a modifying effect on calcium concentrations, a buffering effect on acid-base equilibrium, and plays a key role in hydrogen ion excretion in the kidneys.

To neutralise the pH, the phosphate ions in calcium phosphate likely react with hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Calcium phosphate is a source of calcium and phosphate ions that assist dental remineralization and bone homeostasis in toothpaste and systemic circulation, respectively. By lowering the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH), an increase in plasma calcium reduces calcium flux from osteocyte activity. 

Calcium does this by activating a G-protein coupled calcium receptor on the parathyroid cell's surface. The amount of calcium deposited in bone increases as calcium flux is reduced, resulting in an increase in bone mineral density. The amount of vitamin D metabolised to its active form, calcidiol, is likewise reduced when PTH secretion is reduced. Calcidiol stimulates the production of calcium-dependent ATPases and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 6 (TRPV6), both of which are important in calcium absorption from the gut.

Calcium Phosphate Structure

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Calcium Phosphate Properties

• The molecular formula of calcium phosphate is Ca₃P₂O₈.

• The calcium phosphate molar mass is 310.18.

• The appearance of calcium phosphate is White powder.

• The melting point of calcium phosphate is 1670 °C.

• It decomposes on heating.

• The density of calcium phosphate is 3.14 g/cm³.

• It is not soluble in water.

• The exact mass of calcium phosphate is 309.794613

• The monoisotopic mass of calcium phosphate is 309.794613.

Preparation of Calcium Phosphate

It can be prepared by reacting phosphoric acid with solid calcium hydroxide.

Ca(OH)₂+H₃PO₄→Ca₃(PO₄)₂+H₂O(unbalanced)

3Ca(OH)₂+2H₃PO₄→Ca₃(PO₄)₂+6H₂O(Calcium Phosphate Balanced Equation)

An aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide can be used to make dibasic calcium phosphate in the first of these processes. Excess phosphoric acid is added to either a dibasic or tribasic calcium phosphate solution and allowed to evaporate to produce monobasic calcium phosphate.

Did You Know?

• The acid in the stomach combines with calcium phosphate to raise the pH. It provides a source of calcium and phosphate ions in toothpaste to aid in tooth remineralization. It is a source of calcium and phosphate as a supplement, both of which are crucial ions in bone homeostasis.

• Phosphate is a key intracellular anion that contributes to critical metabolic and enzymatic activities in practically all organs and tissues, as well as providing energy for substance metabolism.