Sodium Hexametaphosphate: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Sodium hexametaphosphate is a complex that is formed by heating monosodium orthophosphate to a specific temperature. The compound has a special quality of creating complex soluble formations and specific metallic ions like magnesium or calcium. 

The main composition of sodium hexametaphosphate is sodium and metaphosphates. As the polymer consists of six molecular compositions, it falls under the hexamer family. 

It is generally used to remove the hardness from water and sees its usage in various industries. If not appropriately operated, sodium hexametaphosphate can have adverse effects on us. One needs to be careful while using it, and proper medication has to be taken if anyone comes in contact with it.

Let us look at some of the physical properties of sodium hexametaphosphate:

• It is a colourless and odourless substance.
• It is entirely transparent. 
• Its pH level is 8.6, and it is above the neutral pH level of 7.
• The refractive index of the compound is 1.482.
• It is insoluble in organic solvents and soluble in water, which removes the hardness in water.
• Its density is 2.181g/cm3.
• The storage temperature of sodium hexametaphosphate is 2-8°C. The industries using it should maintain this range of temperature to keep the compound stable for use.

Now let us look at some of the chemical properties of sodium hexametaphosphate:

• When it gets soluble in boiling water, it becomes more alkaline as it removes the excess alkalinity from the water.
• The molecular weight of it is 611.77g/mol.
• Its melting point is 628°C.
• Its boiling point is 1500°C.
• Its atomic value is 30.
• The unit count of the covalent bond in it is 7.

There are many uses of sodium hexametaphosphate in daily life as well as in industrial uses:

• The primary use is in the treatment of hard water. It helps in reducing the hardness level of water. 
• It plays an essential role in the ceramic industry, where it is used in breaking down the clay and analysing various textures of it.
• It plays a crucial role in the paper industry.
• It acts as a dispersing agent in the paint industry and is used in paints.
• It sees itself in drilling mud as well.
• It sees its usage in the manufacture of toothpaste and detergents.
• It is used as a food taste enhancer.

There has been a mention of different acids, bases, and salts in Class X Science books. Different reactions have been explained in it.

The details of sodium hexametaphosphate can be found in Class XI. It would be beneficial while going through Acids, Bases, and Salts. The other compounds are explained along with it, which would help you start with XII Chemistry. 

You would be reading about other metaphosphate and compounds of sodium in Class XI and XII as well.

Q: What is the common name of sodium hexametaphosphate?

Q: What is the chemical formula of sodium hexametaphosphate?

Q: What is the pH level of sodium hexametaphosphate?

Q: What is the molecular weight of sodium hexametaphosphate?

Q: What is the melting and boiling point of sodium hexametaphosphate?

Q: What are some of its industrial uses?

Q: How is it useful in treating hard water?