Dicalcium phosphate

Dicalcium phosphate (CAS 7757-93-9), commonly abbreviated as DCP and listed as E341ii in food applications, is an inorganic calcium phosphate salt used as a mineral supplement.

It serves as a buffering agent and flow aid across food, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries. Calcium phosphate dibasic is the designation most frequently referenced in pharmaceutical compendial standards.

In food manufacturing, DCP functions as a leavening acid in baked goods and as a calcium and phosphorus fortification source in cereals, infant formula, and nutritional supplements.

Tablet and capsule production relies on DCP as a direct-compression excipient and diluent, where its compressibility and low moisture uptake support high-speed tableting lines.

In animal feed, it delivers bioavailable calcium and phosphorus to support bone development in poultry, swine, and cattle, and is a standard ingredient in premix formulations.

Fertilizer blends and soil amendment products also incorporate DCP as a controlled-release phosphorus source for crop nutrition programs to ensure optimal plant growth.

DCP is supplied as a white powder or granule, with granulated forms preferred for tableting. Recognized grades include FCC, USP/Ph. Eur., and feed-grade specifications.

Each grade carries distinct purity and heavy metal specifications. Both anhydrous and dihydrate forms are commercially available, with the dihydrate being the more common food and pharma grade.