Trisodium Phosphate - Phosphates

Many similar chemicals, including trisodium phosphate, are included in the umbrella term, phosphates. Many phosphates are used as cleaners, pH buffers, surfactants, detergents, food-grade acidifiers, emulsifiers, and food preservatives. Some phosphates which are similar to TSP include:

• Sodium triphosphate, a water softener used in dishwashing detergent and a food preservative.
• Sodium dihydrogen phosphate, commonly termed monosodium phosphate, (NaH₂PO₄), is a laxative a pH buffer
• Disodium hydrogen phosphate, commonly termed disodium phosphate, (Na₂HPO₄), is a laxative and anti-caking agent used in food.
• Sodium aluminium phosphate, (Na₈Al₂(OH)₂(PO₄)₄) is a pH buffer and an emulsifying agent used in food.