Calcium phosphate reacts primarily with silica and coke. This reaction is a fundamental industrial process used to produce valuable elements and compounds.
The Reaction of Calcium Phosphate
According to industrial chemical processes, one molecule of calcium phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂) undergoes a high-temperature reaction when combined with specific reducing agents and fluxes.
The key reactants involved are:
- Calcium Phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂): The primary source of phosphorus.
- Silica (SiO₂): Also known as silicon dioxide, it acts as an acidic flux.
- Coke (C): A form of carbon, it serves as a reducing agent.
This high-temperature reaction facilitates the reduction of phosphorus from calcium phosphate.
Products of the Reaction
When calcium phosphate reacts with silica and coke, it gives rise to several important products:
- Calcium Silicate (CaSiO₃): This is formed as the calcium from calcium phosphate combines with the silica. It's often produced as a slag.
- Phosphorus (P): The desired product, elemental phosphorus, is liberated from the calcium phosphate. This is a critical step in industrial phosphorus production.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): This gaseous by-product is formed as the coke (carbon) reduces the oxygen present in the reactants.
This overall process is crucial for the industrial manufacturing of elemental phosphorus, which is then used in various applications, including fertilizers, detergents, and chemicals.
