Dipotassium Hydrogen Phosphate (DKP)

About This Product

Dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, DKP, has the formula K2HPO4 and CAS number 7758-11-4. It is supplied as white, strongly deliquescent granules or powder, very soluble in water and giving an alkaline solution around pH 9. Its industrial value lies in carrying two nutrients in one fully soluble salt with no sodium. In fertigation and hydroponics, sodium accumulates in recirculating systems and becomes toxic to plants, so potassium salts are specified in preference to the cheaper sodium equivalents even where the anion does the same job. The same applies in fermentation media, where potassium and phosphorus are both required in quantity for microbial growth and where sodium loading has to be controlled. The alkaline reaction makes it the base half of a potassium phosphate buffer, paired with the acidic MKP, and that pair is widely used to hold pH in biological systems. Its deliquescence is the main handling constraint: it will absorb atmospheric moisture and cake or liquefy if left open. It is used in fertigation and hydroponic nutrients, fermentation media, buffer systems, electroplating and as a sequestrant. Bio Green Chem supplies DKP to specification on assay, pH, loss on drying, chlorides, sulphates, fluoride and heavy metals.