Phosphoric+Acid


 * Phosphoric acid**, also known as **orthophosphoric acid** or **phosphoric(V) acid**, is a mineral (inorganic) acid having the chemical formula HPO4 Orthophosphoric acid molecules can combine with themselves to form a variety of compounds which are also referred to as **phosphoric acids**, but in a more general way. The term //phosphoric acid// can also refer to a chemical or reagent consisting of phosphoric acids, usually orthophosphoric acid.

"Phosphoric acid is deliberately added to soft drinks to give them a sharper flavor. It also slows the growth of molds and bacteria, which would otherwise multiply rapidly in the sugary solution. Almost all of the acidity of soda pop comes from the phosphoric acid and not from the carbonic acid from the dissolved CO2. You can verify this by measuring the pH of fresh and flat soda pop; there's very little difference. The phosphoric acid is corrosive, but actually the acid concentration in soda pop is lower than that in orange juice or lemonade. Try submerging identical strips of magnesium (or iron staples) in each of these beverages overnight. Which beverage dissolves more metal? Which dissolves the metal fastest? Fruit juices and drinks are also tart, but they don't use phosphoric acid as a flavor additive. Phosphoric acid would cause many ions present in fruit juices to settle out as insoluble phosphates. These beverages get their tang from citric acid, a substance found in oranges, limes, lemons and grapefruits. Malic acid, found in apples and cherries, is added to many fruit juices.Fumaric acid is used in noncarbonated soft drinks, and tartaric acid gives grape-flavored candies a subtle sour flavor. All of these substances impart only tartness, without overpowering other flavors present." Senese, Fred. "Why Is Phosphoric Acid in Soda Pop?" //General Chemistry Online: FAQ: Chemistry of Everyday Life: //. General Chemistry Online. Web. 24 Apr. 2012. .