Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (MKP)

About This Product

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate, also called monopotassium phosphate or MKP, has the formula KH2PO4, CAS number 7778-77-0 and the European additive number E340(i). It is supplied as colourless crystals or a white granular powder, freely soluble in water, and gives a mildly acidic solution around pH 4.5.

It is the acidic member of the potassium phosphate series, and it is normally used alongside the alkaline dipotassium salt rather than instead of it. Combining the two gives a buffer pair that can be blended in any ratio to hold a product at a chosen pH anywhere between roughly 4.5 and 9, and to hold it there against added acid or alkali. This is why the pair appears in isotonic and protein drinks, where pH drift over shelf life would affect both taste and protein stability. Beyond buffering, MKP supplies readily available potassium and phosphorus, which makes it a standard nutrient salt in fermentation media and in electrolyte and sports formulations, and it contributes no sodium at all, which matters in reduced-sodium products.

It is used in isotonic and sports drinks, protein and nutritional beverages, fermentation and yeast nutrition, dairy, processed foods and dietary supplements.

Bio Green Foods supplies food-grade MKP to specification on assay, pH, loss on drying, chlorides, fluoride, arsenic and heavy metals.