Is KH2PO4 an Acid or a Base?
Monopotassium phosphate, with the chemical formula KH2PO4 or H2KO4P, is neither a base nor an acid but a salt. A salt, usually in crystalline form, is produced via an acid-base chemical reaction. Monopotassium phosphate is the neutralized product of phosphoric acid and potassium hydroxide.
Monopotassium phosphate is known by several other names, such as acid potassium phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, monobasic potassium phosphate and potassium biphosphate. It is commonly in the form of a white, colorless crystalline powder.
Monopotassium phosphate is used as a buffering agent in regulating pH levels of certain solutions and in reducing the escape of ammonia in fertilizers. It is also used as a fungicide, fertilizer and as a food supplement. It is one of the primary ingredients of the beverage Gatorade.
