Potassium ortho-phosphate, also known as potassium dihydrogen phosphate, is a salt of ortho-phosphoric acid. It has the chemical formula K2HPO4 and is used as a fertilizer and food ingredient.
In the food industry, it is used as a buffering agent and a yeast nutrient. In pharmaceuticals, it is used as a neutralizing agent in the manufacture of oral medications.
Potassium ortho-phosphate (K3PO4) is a commonly used compound for the esterification of starch. It acts as a catalyst or activator in the reaction between starch and an organic acid or alcohol. During the esterification process, potassium ortho-phosphate helps to increase the reaction rate and improve the product yield. By increasing the reactivity of starch, potassium ortho-phosphate can also help to form more ester bonds and improve the stability of the modified starch product.