Main Difference – Organic vs Inorganic Phosphate
Phosphates are compounds composed of phosphate units (-PO4 units). There are different types of phosphates such as organic phosphates and inorganic phosphates. Organic phosphates are also known as organophosphates and are esters of phosphoric acid. Inorganic phosphates are salts of phosphoric acid. They have different applications depending on their chemical and physical properties. The main difference between organic phosphates and inorganic phosphates is that organic phosphates are ester compounds whereas inorganic phosphates are inorganic salts.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is an Organic Phosphate
– Definition, Examples, Uses
2. What is an Inorganic Phosphate
– Definition, Structure, Uses
3. What is the Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Phosphate
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Condensed Phosphates, Ester, Fertilizer, Inorganic Phosphate, Organic Phosphate, Orthophosphates, Pesticides, Phosphate, Salt
What is an Organic Phosphate
Organic phosphates are also known as organophosphates. It is a phosphate ester or an ester of phosphoric acid. The chemical formula of phosphoric acid is H3PO4. An ester is formed when one hydrogen atom of a hydrocarbon is replaced by phosphoric acid. Then the state acid is changed from inorganic to organic.
The term organophosphate is widely used in agriculture. Organophosphate pesticides can act as a killing agent by inhibiting some enzymes of pests. Some commonly used organophosphate compounds include parathion, malathion, dichlorvos, diazinon, etc.
Figure 1: Chemical Structure of Malathion
Since organic phosphates are made out of phosphate groups linked to organic groups, these compounds can be used in a wide variety of applications. Organic groups can link with each other forming new phosphate compounds. The organic phosphates that are composed of hydroxyl groups (-OH) have an acidic nature. In an aqueous solution, these phosphates can get deprotonated by removing the H atom in the –OH group. Then, other organic groups can get attached to the ionized organic phosphate.
Organic phosphate is the key ingredient for most pesticides and other fertilizers. In addition, organophosphates are used as additives, solvents, plasticizers, etc. It is used as an extreme pressure additive for lubricants, and as a plasticizer to increase the plasticity or viscosity of a material.
What is an Inorganic Phosphate
An inorganic phosphate is a salt of phosphoric acid. Here, a phosphate group is connected to a metal cation. The phosphate atom is in the center surrounded by four oxygen atoms that are chemically bonded to the phosphorous atom. The phosphate group has an overall negative charge of -3. Therefore, it can form monobasic, dibasic and tribasic salts. The phosphate group has a tetrahedral arrangement.
Inorganic phosphates can be found naturally. Usually, these compounds can be found as salts of group 1 elements such as sodium, potassium, calcium, etc. There are two types of inorganic phosphate compounds: orthophosphates and condensed phosphates.
Figure 2: Diammonium Phosphate is an Inorganic Phosphate
Orthophosphates are reactive phosphate compounds. These are the simplest compounds among other phosphates and are composed of one phosphate unit. Hence these are also called as monophosphates. Condensed phosphates are composed of more than one phosphate unit.
Inorganic phosphates are also widely used as fertilizers. For example, Superphosphate and Triple super phosphate are common fertilizer substances.
Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Phosphate
Definition
Organic Phosphate: Organic phosphates are esters of phosphoric acid.
Inorganic Phosphate: Inorganic phosphates are salts of phosphoric acid.
Chemical Bonding
Organic Phosphate: There are only covalent bonds between the phosphate group and the organic group.
Inorganic Phosphate: There are electrostatic attractions between the phosphate group and the metal cation.
Other Groups
Organic Phosphate: Organic phosphates have organic groups bound to phosphate groups.
Inorganic Phosphate: Inorganic phosphates have inorganic groups bound to phosphate groups.
Examples
Organic Phosphate: Examples for organic phosphates include parathion, malathion, etc.
Inorganic Phosphate: Examples for inorganic phosphates include superphosphate, triple super phosphate, etc.
Conclusion
Phosphates are compounds composed of phosphate units. There are different types of phosphates such as organic phosphates and inorganic phosphates. The main difference between organic phosphates and inorganic phosphates is that organic phosphates are ester compounds whereas inorganic phosphates are inorganic salts.
References:
1. Organic Phosphates. Lobachemie, Available here.
2. “Different types of phosphates: Organic vs. Inorganic | Orenda Blog.” Orenda Technologies, 22 Oct. 2017, Available here.
3. “Inorganic phosphate.” The Free Dictionary, Farlex, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Diammonium phosphate” By Edgar181 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Malathion – Malathion” By NEUROtiker – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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