Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (TSPP) Supplier South Africa

What Is Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate?

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP, sodium pyrophosphate) is the sodium salt of pyrophosphoric acid, containing four sodium cations and the P₂O₇⁴⁻ pyrophosphate anion. It is produced by calcination of disodium hydrogen phosphate at temperatures around 850°C. TSPP is an important detergent builder and sequestrant, but its lower aqueous solubility (~30 g/L at 25°C) compared to its potassium analogue TKPP makes it better suited to powder detergent formulations, where solubility is less critical than in liquid products.

Builder and Sequestrant Functions

TSPP sequesters calcium, magnesium, and heavy metal ions through chelation of the pyrophosphate group, preventing their interference with surfactant performance and their precipitation as insoluble soap scum. In powder detergents and dishwash formulations, it provides builder activity complementary to STPP. TSPP is also an effective deflocculating agent and peptiser for clay, pigment, and proteinaceous soils. In food applications, TSPP functions as a sequestrant, emulsifying salt, and texturising agent in processed cheese and seafood products.

Supply and Uses

Terracore Chemicals supplies technical- and food-grade TSPP in 25 kg bags. Technical grades serve detergent formulators, industrial cleaning product manufacturers, and mineral processing operations; food grades serve the food processing industry for cheese manufacture, seafood treatment, and other permitted food applications.