Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, recognized in the market as dihydrated dibasic calcium phosphate, stands as a backbone ingredient in pharmaceutical manufacturing. One reason for its widespread acceptance lies in a long history of use, stretching back to times when early pharmacists valued ingredients that offered both mineral supplementation and stool-bulking effects. Pharmacopeias standardized its quality during the early 20th century, with the BP, EP, and USP guides introducing stricter controls once pharmaceutical tableting technology matured. Across continents, health regulators codified quality and purity after analysts pointed out the challenges impurities posed to pill consistency and safety.
Pharmaceutical-grade calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate appears as a white, odorless powder, widely trusted by medicine manufacturers for its stability and reliable supply. Chemists in production teams know this ingredient as a source of both calcium and phosphate, essential for tablet formation and as a dietary mineral supplement. Consistent sourcing ties into global mineral supply chains, with leading manufacturers guaranteeing traceability from raw material to end product. Its inclusion in prescription and over-the-counter tablets points to robust trust, reinforced by positive safety records throughout generations of development and laboratory scrutiny.
The material’s physical form supports direct compression and wet granulation, a major asset for modern tablet presses. Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate features low solubility in water, but maintains stability during long-term storage, provided the environment stays dry and free of acidic vapors. Key chemical attributes include a molecular formula of CaHPO4·2H2O and a molecular weight of 172.09 g/mol, which roots its place among mineral excipients. It crystallizes in plate-like structures and shows minimal reactivity under physiological conditions, giving formulators flexibility for sensitive actives. Stability under heat and limited interaction with most pharmaceutical active ingredients keep it in high demand.
Working with this compound, regulatory teams adhere to monograph requirements outlined in BP, EP, and USP standards. Specifications cover parameters such as assay, loss on drying, pH, arsenic, heavy metals, and clarity of solution, with label claims reflecting precise content per batch. Typical pharmaceutical specifications call for an assay range above 97.0%, strict moisture limits, and ultra-low heavy metal levels. Manufacturers print batch number, manufacturing/expiry dates, storage conditions, and precise grade on shipping bags, supporting traceability and recall procedures. Barcode integration and electronic records now back most pharmaceutical-grade mineral shipments.
Production teams follow controlled chemical precipitation routes. Reacting calcium chloride or calcium carbonate with phosphoric acid in aqueous conditions leads to the formation of the dihydrate. The process benefits from automation and careful pH monitoring, with operators filtering and washing precipitated crystals, then drying with gentle heat to maintain hydration state. The choice of starting material influences the crystal habit and impurity profile, driving efforts for high purity reagents and closed-system reactors. Technicians routinely monitor batch consistency with in-process checks, using particle size analysis and water content tests before material release.
Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate plays a low-key but persistent role in chemical synthesis and pharmaceutical blending operations. It reacts at elevated temperatures or under strongly acidic conditions, giving up water to convert into anhydrous or monohydrate forms, or dissolving to release phosphate ions in biological fluids. It can provide buffering action in antacid formulations, helping maintain required pH by neutralizing gastric acids. Researchers in solid-state chemistry sometimes manipulate crystal structure by adding trace modifiers, attempting to tweak powder flow and compressibility for specialized pharmaceuticals. These subtle alterations rely on deep understanding of crystallography and surface properties.
Industry professionals recognize this excipient under diverse synonyms: dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, calcium phosphate dibasic dihydrate, DCPD, and E341(ii). Each region uses preferred nomenclature depending on local pharmacopoeial conventions. Leading suppliers affix unique trade names to their high-purity pharma-grade material, signaling compliance with international quality standards. In supply catalogs, variations in particle size, bulk density, and hydration attract different segment names to fit targeted applications—tableting, nutritional fortification, and dental pastes among them.
Quality assurance drives process control in the manufacture of this mineral. Regulatory bodies demand suppliers pass frequent audits, with compliance to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and documented cleaning validation. Worker safety regulations highlight dust control, since prolonged inhalation of mineral particulate may cause lung irritation, even though clinical data show little systemic toxicity at expected occupational exposures. Well-ventilated production areas, dust extractors, and respiratory protective equipment make up daily routines in compounding facilities. End-product safety testing includes heavy metals screening and microbiological examination, cementing trust between supplier and drugmaker.
Outside pure supplement use, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate shapes countless solid dosage forms as a tablet and capsule filler. Its predictable performance on high-speed presses supports therapeutic efficacy, ensuring patients receive precise drug amounts per unit. The compound provides a useful mineral source in chewable antacids, dental remineralization pastes, and rehydration therapies. Nutritionists value its role in cereal fortification and pediatric nutrition products, while veterinarians rely on it for mineral supplementation in animal feeds. Pharmacy brands select it with an eye on label transparency, consumer perception, and proven track records of allergen safety.
In research labs, the focus has shifted to particle engineering and interaction with evolving excipient systems. Material scientists experiment with different morphology and size reduction techniques, aiming to marry improved compactability with faster drug release characteristics. Analytical chemists apply techniques like X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to profile subtle variations in hydration, structure, and impurity uptake. Collaborative projects between academia and industry probe the compound’s behavior within advanced drug delivery platforms, like multiparticulate systems and controlled-release formulations, building on decades of real-world pharmaceutical experience.
Toxicologists point out the low systemic toxicity and good compatibility with human physiology, especially at standard excipient doses. Historical studies back up safety claims, with single-dose and chronic administration models in animals showing absence of mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, or substantial organ impact. Regulatory filings report only mild gastrointestinal upset at unusual overdose levels, mirroring data from other food and pharma mineral salts. Safety studies inform global agencies in setting Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) values, forming part of risk assessments for dietary exposure in children and adults. Recent research assesses cumulative exposure through fortified foods and prescription drugs, expanding the dataset on long-term human effects.
Looking ahead, attention spans will remain fixed on sustainability and raw material purity. Ongoing investigations target more energy-efficient, waste-minimizing synthesis methods and recycling by-product streams from fertilizer and food processing industries, narrowing the environmental footprint. Digital quality tracking platforms and blockchain traceability build new layers of trust in pharma supply chains, improving counterfeit detection and recall responsiveness. Scientists continue to fine-tune the mineral’s functional profile, seeking even greater compatibility with new actives and flexible manufacturing technologies like 3D printing. Regulatory harmonization across continents, especially as new monographs evolve, will reinforce its role as a reliable, familiar staple in global medicine cabinets.
Pharmaceutical experts have kept Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate on their shelves for good reason. This compound isn’t some fringe ingredient—it’s a staple. Tablets fill our medicine cabinets, and you’ll notice most of them need more than just the active drug to hold together. Here’s where this particular ingredient comes in handy. Its main job revolves around acting as a bulk-forming agent. Only a handful of active materials run thick enough to press straight into a tablet. Manufacturers turn to extra ingredients to fill up space, give tablets strength, and keep their shape during shipping, handling, and daily use. My own background in product development taught me that you don’t cut corners with choosing fillers—anything short of reliable leads to crumbly, powdery failures. Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate stands out for its strength under pressure and ability to break up once inside the body.
This ingredient proves valuable for binding tablets together. Companies rely on it to help make pills that don’t fall apart in the bottle but still break down rapidly after swallowing. Many products get their start in a blender, where active drugs, fillers, and disintegrants swirl together. Without a smart choice like Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate, you’d struggle to get tough, clean tablets every time. Consistency across batches matters—slight changes mean trouble with dosing or shelf life. As someone who’s seen production lines halted by poor ingredient choices, I’ve watched teams quickly switch to this dependable filler. Its structure keeps moisture in check, backing up company claims about shelf lives and keeping medicines safe even in humid warehouses or bathrooms.
The average person expects a tablet to release medicine quickly. Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate plays a part here, too. It doesn’t slow down the breakdown of pills. Instead, it supports predictable release—something especially critical in drugs meant to work right away. Designers often favor it when working on both immediate and modified release tablets. Its chemical structure does not react with most medicines, and so it supports both strong and gentle drugs equally. Based on what I’ve seen, this ingredient ends up in everything from common pain relievers to specialty antibiotics.
Doctors prescribe supplements to fill gaps in diets, especially calcium. This excipient doubles as a source of both calcium and phosphate. Not every patient eats dairy or other calcium-rich foods, and some health conditions demand higher intake. Companies producing calcium tablets stretch their formulas with this ingredient, creating pills that actually contribute nutrients along with medication. It’s reassuring for patients who’d rather not swallow extra pills or powders just to stay on track nutritionally.
While Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate has plenty of fans, people working with it need to watch for rare cases of intolerance or interactions. A handful of drugs need something softer or a filler that dissolves even faster. Still, advances in testing and tracking quality have improved trust in this classic ingredient. Modern pharmaceutical standards hold up supply chains to close scrutiny—sources have to follow strict protocols, traceability, and regular audits. My work with product launches has taught me that transparency and rigorous documentation earn trust from both regulators and patients alike.
Trustworthy sources continue to refine this compound for modern production, keeping it free from contaminants and consistent in texture. The bottom line: every pharmaceutical company that stakes its name on safe, reliable tablets keeps Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate in its toolkit. For those who depend on solid, reproducible drug forms, this ingredient remains a quiet hero of daily medicine.
Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate carries the chemical formula CaHPO4·2H2O. The formula packs a punch of meaning. It’s calcium-based, which already sets off bells for anyone thinking about nutrition or bone health. It holds a single hydrogen phosphate group and two molecules of water, defining it as a "dihydrate." The water content makes this compound distinct from its anhydrous cousin, which skips the water entirely. Each element in this formula matters for reactivity and stability during storage.
Molecular weight does more than dress up a chemistry textbook. In the lab or in the nutrition industry, you have to know exactly what you’re working with. Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate has a molecular weight of about 172.09 grams per mole. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Pulling these values together lets chemists calculate how much compound to measure out, whether they’re making a tablet, a fertilizer mix, or simply conducting classroom experiments.
Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate pops up more often than most people realize. Kids’ breakfast cereal, toothpastes, and animal feeds frequently contain this additive. The phosphorus inside supports bone health, nerve function, and helps crops soak up nutrients if you’re talking agriculture. Because the body absorbs it well, dietitians recommend it to boost overall calcium and phosphate intake. For me, years spent reading food labels and seeing this ingredient on everything from supplements to bakery mixes has turned curiosity into respect. It's not just a filler—it's chosen because it actually delivers what manufacturers want in safety, nutrition, and usability.
Not all sources of calcium hydrogen phosphate are created equal. Impurities, poor quality control, or improper storage change its effectiveness and can even cause health issues. High standards in sourcing and processing matter. Pharmaceutical and food-grade requirements exist for a reason. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and similar bodies keep a close watch on contaminants, particle size, and analytical purity. Some unscrupulous suppliers cut corners, so transparency is a must. In my own work with supply chain audits, I’ve seen how firms staying strict with these guidelines avoid headaches and liability down the road.
Solving any lingering concerns means focusing on education and transparency. Consumers and food manufacturers both deserve straightforward information. Education makes label reading more useful, reducing panic about chemical-sounding names. Investing in third-party audits and certifications builds trust. Businesses using this compound should source it carefully, track changes in regulations, and regularly test batches for quality. Recently, efforts to produce mineral additives with lower environmental impact have also gained momentum—switching from old, energy-heavy processes to cleaner alternatives. This not only protects public health but also steers the industry toward a safer and more sustainable future.
Few things demand trust like medicine. Whether the package says paracetamol or amoxicillin, every pill or vial comes with a promise: safety and consistent quality. As someone who’s worked across both clinical and manufacturing settings, I know these outcomes trace back to standards set long before a product hits a hospital shelf. Pharmacopeias like the BP (British Pharmacopoeia), EP (European Pharmacopoeia), and USP (United States Pharmacopeia) each publish their own benchmarks. These control everything from clarity to purity. Simple language: if a product flunks even a single test, lives could suffer.
The basic idea behind all three standards lines up—tight limits on contaminants, clear identification, well-defined potency. Where differences pop up, they often come down to test methods or tolerance levels. I’ve seen teams in formulation labs juggle these details since a batch cleared for sale in the UK might need tweaks for US or European approval. Standard differences shape both laboratory routines and supply chain choices. I once watched a QA supervisor return an entire shipment because it fell short in a chloride assay—no excuses, no shortcuts.
On paper, a substance checking all the BP, EP, and USP boxes should inspire confidence. Lab technicians pore over data from tests like loss on drying, heavy metals, and microbiological purity. I’ve personally witnessed QC analysts double-check every result. Yet pharma always comes with risk. Some manufacturers cut corners, and sometimes supply chains falter. From my own experience, trust comes from a paper trail: up-to-date certificates of analysis, batch numbers, and audit histories.
Start by asking for documentation issued by certified third-party labs—often, a simple certificate won’t hold water unless the testing facility itself meets international standards like ISO 17025. I’ve found that solid suppliers happily share method validation data or raw test records—not only the summary sheet. It helps to compare CoAs side-by-side with current BP, EP, and USP monographs. Surge pricing and new suppliers create temptation to gamble, so I always push to cross-check suppliers’ licenses or even tour their facilities if possible.
Changes sneak in. A supplier who passed inspection last year might have changed processes this year. I've seen headaches pop up when production runs used barrels with improper storage histories. If you work in procurement or quality, reviewing supplier audit schedules, surprise spot checks, and staff training logs pays off. Think of this as an ongoing relationship, not a one-time trust exercise—much like any collaborative project.
Getting this wrong carries a price: recalls, hospitalizations, maybe worse. Consistent review of monographs, regular staff training, and partnerships with reputable labs help create a line of defense. In practice, full BP, EP, and USP compliance relies on people at every step refusing shortcuts and speaking up when something doesn’t add up. Medicines will always need clear, honest stewardship—from raw sourcing to final use.
Choosing the right packaging for any bulk material shapes everything from cost to safety. In my experience working with manufacturers and suppliers, flexible bags and rigid drums come up the most often. Polyethylene bags, often sealed for moisture control, get chosen for lightweight powders or granules. They handle stacking well and keep out dust. I’ve seen that for heavier items or sensitive materials, HDPE drums or steel drums offer more protection. Steel gives the strongest shield in rough transit, but comes with weight and higher freight costs.
I spent years working in warehouses handling chemicals and raw ingredients. Good packaging keeps material uncontaminated and meets regulations set by authorities like the FDA, EPA, or OSHA. Sometimes, bags have a special liner if contents react with air or moisture. Multilayer designs came in handy for hygroscopic powders in my job. Barrel storage reduces the odds of accidental leaks, which helps everyone breathe easier—nobody enjoys cleanup after a spill.
Shelf life rarely gets the attention it deserves. I’ve watched thousands of pounds of product go to waste because someone overlooked expiration or ignored storage instructions. Each material has its own quirks. Some powders last years sealed in a cool, dry spot. Others, like organic compounds or active chemicals, start breaking down in heat or humidity. Printed dates help, but I learned through hard lessons to judge from storage logs, aroma (if safe), or even discoloration.
Temperature swings can ruin a pallet before you realize it. Iron drums left outside baked in summer and froze in winter—contents didn’t stand a chance. Sticking to climate-controlled storage and monitoring humidity paid off in longer shelf life. Even the best-sealed product can degrade if stored on a hot loading dock. The trick lies in handling everything with respect and not skimping on monitoring.The U.S. Pharmacopeia and European guidelines highlight the importance of validated packaging for product stability. According to published studies, packaging choice can extend shelf life by months or even years. Risk management experts urge companies to perform regular quality checks, not just at intake but throughout storage. From a business perspective, that approach saves a surprising amount of money by cutting waste and ensuring compliance.
If spoilage or contamination crops up, some fixes stand out. Upgrading to bags with better oxygen barriers or moving away from recycled drums made a noticeable difference at sites where I worked. Training staff to spot subtle signs of damage in packaging stops losses early. For startups or small-scale users, working in smaller pack sizes reduces the risk of having to throw out expired leftovers. Automated monitoring—alarms for high temperature or humidity—proves worth every dollar in reducing material loss.
Real-world experience shows that smart packaging and solid storage habits drive both safety and profitability. Paying attention to the shelf life of materials isn’t just about checking a box for regulators—it truly cuts waste and keeps operations running smoothly.
Working in pharmaceutical environments means you get familiar with raw materials like calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate. On paper, this chemical sounds simple—just a mineral salt used for tablets and supplements. But keeping it safe and effective in the warehouse or lab isn’t as straightforward as the paperwork suggests. From personal experience, it’s easy to overlook the basics of good storage. Simple mistakes have a habit of snowballing into bigger problems, especially with bulk materials that end up in finished drugs.
Humidity sneaks up on every material. Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate draws water from the air, slowly changing texture and sometimes clumping. Trust me, I’ve seen pallet loads of bags stuck together because of poor sealing. That ruins flow and mixing, which throws off manufacturing. The pharma grade calls for purity that can’t be risked. Store this material in a dry area—think 30-60% relative humidity—and you cut down on risk of caking, even in humid climates. Warehouse managers often set up hygrometers alongside their temperature logs for this very reason. Bags with moisture-absorbing liners or large plastic drums with tight lids give a lot more peace of mind in a busy facility.
A lot of lab chemicals have strict temperature rules, but calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate doesn’t crumble at room temp. Still, you want a stable, moderate temperature. Hot, stuffy conditions stress packaging and speed up degradation; freezing environments can make it brittle and split seals. 15-30 degrees Celsius fits most pharma warehouses, and consistently rotating stock keeps older material from sitting too long at the bottom of the pile. Sunlight might not turn this chemical toxic, but direct beams can age bags, break down plastics, and attract unwanted heat. Keeping stock away from windows just keeps everything consistent.
Every lab tech remembers the handful of times powder got mixed with dust or other materials. In pharma, that kind of cross-contamination gets expensive fast. Separate raw materials by product type, and train staff to always check both the integrity of bags and their labels. Clean rooms help a lot, but if you’re in a regular warehouse, don’t skip the basics. Gloves and masks keep out sweat or stray skin cells. Color-coded bins and clear labels make accidental mixing less likely. These sound like small habits, but every pharmaceutical recall I’ve seen begins with a “tiny” mistake ignored for too long.
Good storage starts with the right packaging out of the gate. Sturdy, double-walled bags with clear tamper seals protect contents and make it obvious if something’s amiss. Suppliers with pharma licenses tend to offer traceable lot numbers, which makes backtracking issues much easier. For anyone handling inventory, keep a habit of visually inspecting every package on arrival. Chemical dust or tears in a crease usually signal a bigger issue—don’t let shipments sit in limbo.
Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate isn’t going to turn toxic if left for months, but over time, quality can drift outside specification. Track expiration dates and always use a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system. Clear logs make recalls or investigations faster and ensure the batch that goes out the door is the freshest on hand.
Storage and handling often fall to the least experienced staff or get left off audit checklists. It pays to give chemical handling the same focus as any critical process step. Regular training, simple signage, and a culture that encourages speaking up about damaged packaging help avoid costly mistakes. The bottom line: getting the storage right for calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate isn’t about ticking regulatory boxes—it’s about keeping the finished product safe and reliable, every single time.
Names | |
Preferred IUPAC name | calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate |
Other names |
Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate Calcium Phosphate Dibasic Dihydrate Dibasic Calcium Phosphate Dihydrate DCP Dihydrate E341(ii) Calcium Hydrogenorthophosphate Dihydrate |
Pronunciation | /ˈkæl.si.əm ˈhaɪ.drə.dʒən ˈfɒs.feɪt daɪˈhaɪ.dreɪt/ |
Identifiers | |
CAS Number | 7789-77-7 |
Beilstein Reference | 2078889 |
ChEBI | CHEBI:86155 |
ChEMBL | CHEMBL1201745 |
ChemSpider | 8552817 |
DrugBank | DB11124 |
ECHA InfoCard | 13b687db-5380-4e16-941d-91816ed8c37f |
EC Number | 231-826-1 |
Gmelin Reference | 37840 |
KEGG | C16252 |
MeSH | Dibasic Calcium Phosphate |
PubChem CID | 24456 |
RTECS number | FH2950000 |
UNII | V0CGT2N75D |
UN number | UN1840 |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID1038833 |
Properties | |
Chemical formula | CaHPO4·2H2O |
Molar mass | 172.09 g/mol |
Appearance | White powder |
Odor | Odorless |
Density | 2.32 g/cm³ |
Solubility in water | Slightly soluble in water |
log P | -2.49 |
Vapor pressure | Negligible |
Acidity (pKa) | 7.2 |
Basicity (pKb) | 6.8 |
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | ~−93.0×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
Refractive index (nD) | 1.602 |
Dipole moment | 0 D |
Thermochemistry | |
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 87.4 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -1922 kJ/mol |
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -2377.9 kJ/mol |
Pharmacology | |
ATC code | A12AA04 |
Hazards | |
Main hazards | May cause irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system. |
GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS Hazard Statements: H319; GHS Precautionary Statements: P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
Pictograms | GHS07 |
Signal word | Not Hazardous |
Hazard statements | Hazard statements: "May cause respiratory irritation. |
Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: P264, P270, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | Health: 1, Flammability: 0, Instability: 0, Special: - |
Explosive limits | Non-explosive |
Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): > 2,000 mg/kg |
LD50 (median dose) | > 10,000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
NIOSH | MG0875000 |
PEL (Permissible) | 10 mg/m³ |
REL (Recommended) | Up to 70 mg/kg body weight (as calcium), FAO/WHO 1982 |
IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not listed. |
Related compounds | |
Related compounds |
Monocalcium Phosphate Dicalcium Phosphate Anhydrous Tricalcium Phosphate Calcium Phosphate Calcium Sulfate Calcium Chloride Magnesium Hydrogen Phosphate |