Question

What are the reactants used in the manufacturing of superphosphate?

• A. $C{a}_3(P{O}_4{)}_2$
• B. $H_{2}S{O}_4$
• C. $H_{2}O$
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

All of the above

Single superphosphate (SSP) was the first commercial mineral fertilizer, and it led to the development of the modern plant nutrient industry. This material was once the most commonly used fertilizer, but other phosphorus $\left(P\right)$ fertilizers have largely replaced SSP because of its relatively low $P$ content.

The general chemical reaction involved in the production of SSP is:

${Ca}_3{\left(P{O}_4\right)}_2+2H_{2}S{O}_4+4H_{2}O⟶Ca{\left(H_{2}P{O}_4\right)}_2+2CaS{O}_4.2H_{2}O+Heat$