Dipotassium Phosphate, often called DKP, stands out as a chemical compound made up of potassium and phosphate. Its chemical formula is K2HPO4 and the molecular weight clocks in at about 174.18 g/mol. The compound's structure features two potassium ions held in place by a phosphate group. Some might spot it in various shapes: crystal, powder, flakes, pearls, and even liquid solutions. These different forms do not change the backbone of the compound, but each offers a slightly different feel and suits different production lines or lab benches. The density usually rests around 2.44 g/cm3 in its solid state, making it feel hefty in hand, especially as a crystal or solid chunk. Its HS Code for reference and international trade is 28352400, a small but crucial piece of paperwork for anyone moving chemicals across borders.
Dipotassium Phosphate shows strong solubility in water, effortlessly breaking down at room temperature and higher. Heating this substance leads to even faster dissolution, which comes as no surprise when you see its role in quick-mix fertilizers or food additives. Safe handling remains important, because raw DKP, like most phosphates, can irritate sensitive skin or eyes. On a safety data sheet, this material lands in the “irritant” category, rather than hazardous or acutely harmful, but gloves should always stay close by. DKP appears as white or nearly white solid, and if you run your fingers through the powder or flakes, you will find it smooth and light. Sometimes it turns up in clear, nearly syrupy solutions, depending on concentration and intended use.
I’ve seen DKP used across industries. Food manufacturing leans on it as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and buffering agent. If you have ever baked bread using commercial mixes, you might spot this phosphate in the ingredients. It helps control pH and supports yeast activity—two details that keep baked goods consistent. Technicians in water treatment facilities use the material to soften hard water, using its phosphate content to keep calcium and magnesium in check. In chemical labs, DKP can offer an easy source of potassium and phosphate ions, serving in nutrient solutions for cell cultures, plant hydroponics, and as a buffer in biochemical analysis. Factories buying DKP in bulk look for the most suitable form—flakes for steady dosing, powder for rapid dissolving, pearls for cleaner handling.
DKP seems pretty mild as chemicals go, but overuse in soil can cause problems. Farmers who turn to it as a “quick fix” for potassium-deficient crops may gradually cause phosphate buildup in the ground, making some minerals hard for plants to absorb. Water runoff from fields treated with too much DKP could contribute to algal blooms, which impact rivers and lakes downstream. Keeping records helps. Monitoring soil health and regular testing protect against these knock-on effects. Factory staff and lab technicians should look beyond the label “not hazardous”—protective gear shields against skin contact or accidental ingestions, but clear training does even more good in the long run. Some firms now explore blending or substituting DKP with recycled phosphorus or potassium, aiming for a less impactful supply chain and tackling raw material shortages.
Manufacturers draw DKP from basic chemical reactions of phosphoric acid with potassium sources—often potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide. The process cranks out a material that’s stable and packs good shelf life, but the energy behind production still concerns sustainability advocates. Handling DKP, in any format, stays simple with proper practice. Storage in sealed, dry environments keeps the crystals, powder, or pearls at their best. Containers need to keep out moisture, since DKP pulls water from the air quickly, leading to clumping or cake formation. Teams at warehouses have learned to avoid stacking bags or drums in damp or hot zones, since the compound prefers a dry climate for keeping its tidy appearance and easy-to-measure quality.
Every shipment of DKP requires the HS Code 28352400, stamped on export records and customs files. This seemingly simple detail smoothes out trade and makes sure buyers get exactly what’s described. Consumers and companies alike look for batch numbers, proven purity, and a reliable list of properties, from density to crystal habit to particle size. The right labeling not only reduces shipping mistakes but helps with recalls or tracking down supply disruptions, if they ever pop up. Most national chemical regulations do not count DKP as hazardous waste, but correct disposal still matters: pouring it into city drains or streams leads to unwanted phosphate pollution, so return and recycling programs catch on as a smarter answer.
This single material touches many aspects of production, science, and everyday uses. From its chemical backbone and physical makeup to the storage, application, and trade, every detail makes a difference in the final product. We see DKP in rows of drums in food plants, in the dosing bins at wastewater sites, and dissolving into aquaculture tanks feeding rows of leafy greens. Companies keep chasing new ways to recycle or reclaim phosphorus and potassium so less ends up as waste. As more industries grow aware of supply chains and environmental footprints, solutions rooted in careful sourcing, open labeling, and strict but practical safety go a long way. Every time DKP makes its way from factory to field, shelf, or lab, it brings with it a simple but essential mix of chemistry and human stewardship.
