Comparing E338 - Phosphoric acid vs E513 - Sulphuric acid
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 4,566 products
Found in 4 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is phosphoric acid bad for you?
At permitted food levels it’s considered safe (GRAS in the U.S.; EFSA sets a group ADI for phosphates of 40 mg/kg bw/day as phosphorus). Overconsumption—especially via acidic soft drinks—can contribute to dental enamel erosion, and high phosphate intakes may be a concern for people with kidney disease.
Is phosphoric acid a strong acid?
No—it's a weak, triprotic acid (pKa ≈ 2.15, 7.2, 12.3), though concentrated solutions are corrosive.
What is phosphoric acid used for?
In foods it’s used as an acidulant to add tartness and control pH (e.g., in colas) and as a sequestrant/antioxidant to stabilize color and flavor.
What does phosphoric acid do to the body?
It dissociates into phosphate ions, which are essential for bones and energy metabolism, while the acid load is buffered and excreted. High intakes from acidic drinks can erode tooth enamel, and excess phosphate may be problematic in kidney disease or with low calcium intake.
What is the formula for phosphoric acid?
H3PO4.
Is h2so4 a strong acid?
Yes—sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a strong diprotic acid; its first proton dissociates completely in water.
What is sulfuric acid used for?
As a food additive (E513), it’s used as an acidity regulator and processing aid for pH control, sugar refining, and starch modification; industrially it’s used for fertilizers, batteries, and chemical synthesis.
Is h2so4 an acid or base?
An acid—specifically a strong diprotic mineral acid used to acidify and catalyze reactions.
Is sulfuric acid a strong acid?
Yes; it’s considered a strong acid, with essentially complete first dissociation in water.
What does h2so4 do in a reaction?
It donates protons to acidify mixtures and can catalyze hydrolysis, esterification, and dehydration; in food processing it’s mainly used to adjust pH and is neutralized or removed afterward.