sodium metaphosphate can be used to adjust pH levels, thus acting as a buffer.
In dentifrices, polishing agents, abrasive detergents.
The value of n
ranges from 3 to 10 (cyclic molecules) or may
be a much larger number (polymers). Cyclic
sodium metaphosphate, based on rings of alter-
nating phosphorus and oxygen atoms, range
from the trimetaphosphate (Na PO
3
)
3
to at least
the decametaphosphate. So-called sodium hexam-
etaphosphate is probably a polymer where n is
between 10 and 20 (“Calgon”).
Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NazO and POx. See also PHOSPHATES.
