Identify the compound:\nThe chemical formula CaH4(PO4)2 corresponds most directly to which fertilizer compound in common nomenclature?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Triple superphosphate (monocalcium phosphate rich)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Superphosphates are described by their dominant phosphate species. The formula CaH4(PO4)2 is another way of writing Ca(H2PO4)2, the monocalcium phosphate that constitutes the active, water-soluble component of triple superphosphate (TSP). Recognizing this mapping is useful when cross-referencing fertilizer labels and chemical formulations.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • CaH4(PO4)2 ≡ Ca(H2PO4)2 (monocalcium phosphate).
  • TSP is produced by reacting phosphate rock with phosphoric acid to yield monocalcium phosphate.
  • SSP contains monocalcium phosphate plus significant gypsum; TSP is the concentrated form.


Concept / Approach:
Because TSP is largely monocalcium phosphate with minimal gypsum, the neat formula Ca(H2PO4)2 is commonly associated with TSP in textbook representations. SSP, while containing the same monocalcium species, also contains 2 CaSO4 equivalents (gypsum), so it is not represented simply by Ca(H2PO4)2. Tricalcium phosphate corresponds to rock phosphate; metaphosphoric acid is a condensed phosphate, not a calcium salt.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Translate the formula: CaH4(PO4)2 = Ca(H2PO4)2.Associate monocalcium phosphate with TSP as the concentrated product.Select triple superphosphate as the best match.


Verification / Alternative check:
Manufacturing routes and product specifications list TSP as primarily monocalcium phosphate, while SSP is Ca(H2PO4)2 + CaSO4.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • SSP: includes substantial gypsum; not represented by the pure monocalcium formula.
  • Tricalcium phosphate: Ca3(PO4)2, not Ca(H2PO4)2.
  • Metaphosphoric acid: polymeric phosphates without calcium.
  • Dicalcium phosphate: CaHPO4, different stoichiometry.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming SSP and TSP are chemically identical; they differ in concentration and associated salts, even though both contain monocalcium phosphate.


Final Answer:
Triple superphosphate (monocalcium phosphate rich).

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