Tetrasodium pyrophosphate

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (CAS 7722-88-5), commonly known as TSPP or designated E450(iii) in food applications, is an inorganic phosphate salt used across food processing, industrial cleaning, and construction sectors.

Where is Tetrasodium pyrophosphate used?

• Food manufacturing: emulsifying salt in processed cheese
• Food manufacturing: moisture-retention agent in seafood and meat products
• Detergent and industrial cleaning: sequesters calcium and magnesium ions, preventing scale buildup and improving surfactant performance
• Cement and construction: dispersant and set retarder, improving workability of cementitious mixes
• Water treatment: controls metal ion precipitation and inhibits scale formation in process water systems
• It functions as a sequestrant, buffering agent, and dispersant, controlling metal ions and pH in complex formulations.
• Buffer for processed foods and puddings.
• Flavor enhancer in pet food and cat food.
• In ceramics and porcelains, improves the viscosity of suspensions, allowing better handling and aesthetic finishes.

Good to know: Buyers sourcing for food or regulated end uses should confirm compliance with relevant regional food additive specifications.

Formulation notes

• In pasteurized processed Cheddar cheese, studied at concentrations of 0.25–2.75% with cooking times of 0–20 minutes.
• Incompatible with acids and strong oxidizers.

Typical specification

• Available in an anhydrous food grade.
• Decahydrate form is supplied for analysis.
• Solubility of the decahydrate in water is 62.3 g/l at 20 °C.
• pH of a 5% solution of the decahydrate for analysis is between 9.5 and 10.7.
• Maximum limit of insoluble matter in water for the decahydrate for analysis is 0.01%.

Regulatory status

• Customs tariff (CS) code for the decahydrate is 28353900.
• Regulated in the US as a food additive and GRAS substance under 21 CFR Parts 170-186.
• Under EU hazard categories, classified as causing serious eye irritation, skin irritation and specific target organ toxicity (respiratory irritation).

Storage, packaging and handling

• Stored in closed containers protected from moisture.

Frequently asked questions about Tetrasodium pyrophosphate

How does tetrasodium pyrophosphate affect the texture of processed meats?

It enhances gel structure and strength, improving texture and flavor of processed meats.

In what form is tetrasodium pyrophosphate used in seafood processing?

It is used in dip treatment solutions for seafood to modify texture and improve yield.

What role does tetrasodium pyrophosphate play in powdered beverage mixes?

It is used as a dispersant in malted milk and chocolate drink powders.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.