Description
  • What it is. This sodium phosphate, dibasic (disodium hydrogen phosphate), is ACS reagent grade, supplied in a 100 g size. It is a white, water-soluble salt used mainly to prepare phosphate buffers for biological and analytical work.
  • What ACS grade guarantees. ACS reagent anhydrous disodium phosphate assays at a minimum of 99.0%, with limits of 0.01% insoluble matter, 0.2% loss on drying at 105 °C, 0.002% chloride, 0.005% sulfate, 0.001% heavy metals, and 0.002% iron. A 5% solution has a pH of 8.7 to 9.3.
  • Chemical identity. Anhydrous disodium phosphate (CAS 7558-79-4, Na2HPO4, 141.96 g/mol) is the most common dibasic phosphate salt. It is also sold as the dihydrate, heptahydrate, and dodecahydrate, each with a different formula weight, so check the form before weighing.
  • Phosphate buffers. Combined with monobasic sodium phosphate, disodium phosphate forms buffers effective around pH 6.2 to 8.2, centered on phosphoric acid's second pKa of about 7.2. Phosphate buffers are among the most widely used in biology, chromatography, and analytical chemistry.
  • Phosphate-buffered saline. Disodium phosphate is a key component of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), together with sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. PBS keeps cells and proteins at a stable, physiological pH and tonicity.
  • Other uses. Disodium phosphate is used in HPLC mobile phases, culture media, protein purification, as a water-softening and anti-caking agent in industry, and as an emulsifier and buffering agent in food applications.
  • Storage. The anhydrous salt can absorb moisture from the air. Keep the container tightly closed and dry, and dry the salt before weighing if exact concentrations are required.
  • Preparing PBS. A common 1X PBS recipe dissolves sodium chloride, potassium chloride, disodium phosphate, and potassium dihydrogen phosphate in water and adjusts the pH to about 7.4. Use the formula weight that matches the hydrate form of each phosphate salt.
  • Buffer capacity. Phosphate buffers have their greatest buffering capacity near pH 7.2. Concentrations from about 10 to 100 mM are common, chosen to balance buffering strength against effects on ionic strength and downstream steps.
  • Related products. For saline component work, see Lab Pro's Sodium Chloride, ACS Reagent Grade, Crystal, 2.5 kg. For acid adjustment of phosphate buffers, see Phosphoric Acid 85%, ACS Grade (100 mL, 1 Pint).

Technical Specifications

Chemical Name Sodium phosphate, dibasic, anhydrous
CAS Number 7558-79-4
EC Number 231-448-7
Synonyms Disodium hydrogen phosphate, disodium phosphate, sec-sodium phosphate
Formula Na2HPO4
Molecular Weight 141.96 g/mol
Grade ACS reagent
Assay (by acidimetry) 99.0% min
pH (5% solution, 25 °C) 8.7 to 9.3
Insoluble Matter 0.01% max
Loss on Drying (105 °C) 0.2% max
Chloride (Cl) 0.002% max
Sulfate (SO4) 0.005% max
Heavy Metals (as Pb) 0.001% max
Iron (Fe) 0.002% max
Melting Point About 250 °C (decomposes)
Buffer Range (with NaH2PO4) About pH 6.2 to 8.2
Form White powder or crystals
Hazard Profile Low hazard; may irritate eyes
Package Size 100 g

Applications / Common Uses

  • Phosphate buffers: Prepares buffers around pH 7.
  • PBS preparation: Supplies the dibasic phosphate in PBS.
  • HPLC mobile phases: Buffers aqueous mobile phases.
  • Culture media: Provides phosphate and buffering.
  • Protein purification: Buffers chromatography and dialysis solutions.

Storage, Handling & Shipping

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Anhydrous disodium phosphate can absorb moisture, so reseal the container promptly and dry the salt before weighing for exact work.

  • Incompatible materials: Strong acids and strong oxidizers.
  • Personal protection: Safety glasses, gloves, and dust control.
  • Spill response: Sweep up without raising dust and place in a closed container.
  • First aid: Eyes: rinse with water for several minutes.

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FAQs

What is disodium phosphate used for in the lab?

It is used to prepare phosphate buffers and phosphate-buffered saline, buffer HPLC mobile phases, formulate culture media, and buffer protein purification steps. ACS grade limits impurities such as chloride, sulfate, heavy metals, and iron that could affect sensitive analytical and biological work. It is a staple buffer salt.

How do I make a phosphate buffer at pH 7.2?

Mix disodium phosphate and monosodium phosphate in roughly equal molar amounts, since pH 7.2 is close to phosphoric acid's second pKa. Dissolve both in deionized water, check the pH with a calibrated meter, adjust with small additions of either salt, then dilute to volume. Use the anhydrous formula weight.

What is the difference between anhydrous and hydrated disodium phosphate?

The anhydrous form contains no water of crystallization and has a formula weight of 141.96. Hydrates such as the heptahydrate and dodecahydrate have much higher molar masses. Use the formula weight that matches your material, or buffer concentrations will be wrong. Check the label for the form.

Is this the same as sodium phosphate monobasic?

No. Dibasic sodium phosphate (Na2HPO4) carries two sodium ions and is mildly alkaline in solution. Monobasic sodium phosphate (NaH2PO4) carries one sodium ion and is mildly acidic. Combining the two in different ratios produces phosphate buffers across a range of pH values. Both are commonly stocked together.

Is disodium phosphate hazardous?

Disodium phosphate has low toxicity and is used in food at controlled levels. In the lab, dust may irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, so wear safety glasses and gloves and avoid creating dust. Check the safety data sheet for this product's exact classification. Rinse eyes immediately and thoroughly with water.