Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate BP EP USP Pharma Grade: Substance Overview

What Is Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate BP EP USP Pharma Grade?

Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate Dihydrate BP EP USP Pharma Grade stands out as a widely used chemical raw material in many sectors, especially in pharmaceutical and laboratory environments. Its chemical formula, Na₂HPO₄ · 2H₂O, signals a compound formed from sodium, hydrogen, phosphorous, and oxygen, with two molecules of water bound per formula unit. The molecular weight lands at 177.99 g/mol, and it comes with a wide reputation for reliability and traceability. HS Code for this substance often appears as 2835.23, matching international trade standards and documentation.

Physical Properties and Structure

Pharma grade disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate presents itself in different but equally recognizable forms—solid, powder, granules, flakes, or even as large clear or white crystals. In many pharmaceutical workspaces, it pours easily in its powder state, free-flowing and without significant caking, which helps when accuracy matters in preparing solutions. Crystal structures reveal a clear and layered geometry, common in hydrated compounds. Density hovers near 1.52 g/cm³ at 20°C, a value that feels precise in dosing or solution preparation. Some productions offer it as pearls or even in liquid solution, depending on the demand for quick solubility or ease of mixing. Its solid-state shines for long-term storage, showing stability in sealed containers and dry environments.

Chemical Characteristics and Behavior

A key property of this compound sits in its high water solubility; many chemists and formulators count on quick dissolution at room temperature in water, creating a clear, colorless liquid. This makes solution standardization possible in pharmaceutical manufacture, buffer systems, and analytical testing. Chemically, the substance acts as a moderate alkaline salt. In most laboratory or industrial setups, it can regulate pH or buffer acidity, stemming from how hydrogen phosphate reacts with acids and bases. Specific conductance suits it well for use in ionic strength control in various biological and chemical applications. The compound itself remains stable under typical handling and storage conditions, breaking down only at higher temperatures above 100°C, where it loses water molecules and shifts its form.

Applications Across Sectors

Pharmaceutical companies reach for disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate when compounding saline laxative solutions, determining octanol-water partition coefficients, or controlling pH in formulated drugs. Food and beverage manufacturers sometimes tap into its buffering properties, following strict regulatory controls. Laboratory analysts favor it when preparing calibration solutions or buffer mixes. Even water treatment facilities find this salt mighty helpful in adjusting mineral levels. Its high purity under BP, EP, and USP standards builds trust, with batch records certifying its suitability down to impurity thresholds and trace element profiles. Each property—density, solubility, physical form—plays into handling, storage, and mixing decisions across the supply chain.

Material Safety and Chemical Hazards

Safety comes first with any chemical, including this one. By classification, disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate does not stand out as especially hazardous or harmful when handled with basic safety protocols. Accidental exposure or ingestion may cause mild irritation; inhalation of dust can bother the respiratory system for sensitive persons. Being non-flammable, it does not create fire or explosion risks under regular lab or factory conditions. Safe handling means wearing gloves and eye protection, minimizing dust, and keeping containers sealed to keep out water and prevent caking. No strong odors arise, so ventilation needs often remain routine. Disposal follows local guidelines for inorganic materials—never pour into public water systems without neutralizing and notifying authorities. MSDS sheets list it as low acute hazard, but always prioritize eye-wash stations and handwashing after working with any lab material.

Specifications and Regulatory Control

Materials made and labelled for BP, EP, or USP pharma grade pass through repeated analysis phases, each batch tested for loss on drying, pH in solution, heavy metals, arsenic, and clarity after dissolving. Regulatory authorities require documentation from each manufacturer showing precise values for each property—specific gravity, assay of Na₂HPO₄, and presence of impurities. These controls matter because even slight variances can shift drug behavior or analytical results. Proper lot tracking cuts the risk of error and supports corrective actions if anything goes awry. In practice, this leads to detailed batch records and predictable handling, shipment, and receipt through global commerce.

Challenges in Use and Responsible Solutions

One challenge with disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate centers on moisture management. These materials can pick up water from the air, clumping together and losing accuracy for weighed measurements. Warehouses rely on dry, airtight containers, silica desiccants, and clear labeling of opened or partially used stock. Technicians and handlers pay attention to expiry dates and storage advice, returning product to secured shelves quickly to stop water re-absorption. Engineers and scientists could look at packaging innovations—vacuum-sealed pouches, tamper-proof lids, or single-use sachets—supporting less waste and more reliable dosing. Communication between supplier and end user closes the gap, building trust and creating feedback loops for better product stewardship in the future.

Responsible Handling and the Future

Responsible use links to traceable sourcing: manufacturers publish sustainability data, minimize energy in production, and publish environmental profiles of their processes. This helps pharmaceutical buyers and research labs choose partners who not only deliver high-quality chemical but also work toward ethical and efficient business practices. Knowledge about the real risks and practical benefits of disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate BP EP USP pharma grade—spelled out in product documentation and safety sheets—empowers those throughout the industry. Grounded, fact-based communication across the supply chain supports safer handling, lower waste, and more innovation towards purer, more sustainable raw materials.