Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP)

About This Product

Dicalcium phosphate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, has the formula CaHPO4 and CAS number 7757-93-9, supplied anhydrous or as the dihydrate in white granules or powder. It is practically insoluble in water but dissolves readily in dilute acid. That insolubility is exactly what suits it to feed use, which is its dominant market by volume. A soluble phosphate would be washed out of a feed pellet and would taste; an insoluble one stays put, contributes no flavour and does not attract moisture, yet dissolves in the acidic conditions of the stomach so the animal can absorb it. The calcium to phosphorus ratio it delivers is close to the ratio bone mineral actually requires, which is why it is preferred over separate calcium and phosphate sources. Feed grade is specified particularly on fluoride, since phosphate rock carries fluoride that is toxic to livestock at accumulated doses and must be reduced during manufacture. In industry it is also used as a mild polishing abrasive in toothpaste, as a fertiliser and as a tablet excipient. It is used in animal feed and mineral premixes, fertilisers, toothpaste as an abrasive, tablet manufacture and in ceramics. Bio Green Chem supplies DCP to specification on calcium and phosphorus content, fluoride, loss on ignition, particle size, arsenic and heavy metals.