 Hydroxyapatite crystal | |
| Identifiers | |
|---|---|
| EC Number |
|
| E number | E341(antioxidants, ...) |
| UNII | |
| |
| Properties | |
| Ca3(PO4)2 | |
| Molar mass | 310.18 g/mol |
| Appearance | White Solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 3.14 g/cu cm[1] |
| Melting point | 1,670 °C (3,040 °F; 1,940 K)[1] |
| Practically insoluble withwater | |
| Solubility inEthanol | Insoluble withethanol (alsoacetic acid) |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling: | |
 | |
| Warning | |
| H315,H319,H335 | |
| P101,P102,P103,P261,P264,P270,P271,P280,P302+P352,P304+P340,P305+P351+P338 | |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Safety data sheet (SDS) | fishersci.com |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in theirstandard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
The termcalcium phosphate refers to a family of materials andminerals containingcalciumions (Ca2+) together with inorganicphosphate anions. Some so-called calcium phosphates containoxide andhydroxide as well. Calcium phosphates are white solids of nutritional value[2] and are found in many living organisms, e.g.,bone mineral andtooth enamel.[3] In milk, it exists in a colloidal form inmicelles bound tocasein protein withmagnesium,zinc, andcitrate–collectively referred to as colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP).[4] Various calcium phosphate minerals, which often are not white owing to impurities, are used in the production ofphosphoric acid andfertilizers. Overuse of certain forms of calcium phosphate can lead tonutrient-containingsurface runoff and subsequent adverse effects upon receiving waters such asalgal blooms andeutrophication (over-enrichment with nutrients and minerals).[5]
These materials contain Ca2+ combined withPO3−
4,HPO2−
4, orH
2PO−
4:
These materials contain Ca2+ combined with thepolyphosphates, such asP
2O4−
7 and triphosphateP
3O5−
10:
These materials contain other anions in addition to phosphate:
Calcium phosphate stones account for approximately 15% ofkidney stone disease. Calcium phosphate stones tend to grow in alkaline urine, especially whenProteus bacteria are present. It is the most common type in pregnant women.[6]
Calcium phosphate is the usual constitution ofmicrocalcifications of thebreast, particularlydystrophic calcifications. Microcalcifications as can be seen onmammography can be an early sign ofbreast cancer. Based on morphology, it is possible to classify by radiography how likely microcalcifications are to indicate cancer.[7]
