Guanidine phosphate stands out as an important inorganic salt in the field of chemical raw materials. With a chemical formula of CH₆N₃O₄P and a molecular weight of 157.06 g/mol, this compound often takes center stage in the discussion of effective flame retardant additives for plastics, textiles, and wood products. The substance is built from guanidine and phosphoric acid, combining the robust basicity of guanidine with the fire-resisting features of phosphate. In solid form, manufacturers produce it as white crystals, flakes, granules, or powder, all with a characteristic slight ammonia smell. Not every batch will look the same, but the underlying properties always drive demand in sectors that take safety and reliability seriously.
Exploring at the molecular level, guanidine phosphate contains a guanidinium cation and a dihydrogen phosphate anion. This pairing gives rise to a structure with strong ionic character and high solubility in water. Unlike some organic counterparts, the molecule hardly decomposes under ordinary storage, a direct result of the strong interaction between the cation and anion. The formula CH₆N₃O₄P represents three primary functional groups interacting—amino, phosphoric acid, and the guanidine backbone. This balance between basic and acidic groups means guanidine phosphate resists many weak acids and bases, which accounts for its popularity as a multi-purpose additive.
Taking a deeper dive into physical characteristics, guanidine phosphate presents as odorless or faintly ammonia-like, and appears white or off-white depending on purity and processing. Its melting point typically lies above 200°C, making it stable for most industrial needs. Density ranges from 1.6 to 1.8 g/cm³, based on measurement at room temperature. The compound dissolves readily in cold water, forming a clear solution, but stays insoluble in organic solvents like ethanol or ether. Companies sell it in a range of solid forms – finely milled powder for quick dispersion, pearl or granular shapes for controlled release, flakes where slow dissolution works best, and even as pre-mixed aqueous solutions measured in liters for liquid applications. Some industrial settings rely on the crystalline purity to achieve better control over the performance in high-value fire retardant mixes.
Global trade regulations assign guanidine phosphate the HS Code 292529, grouping it with other guanidine derivatives. Customs officials and logistics managers recognize this code when moving material from manufacturers to end-users across borders. This classification matters because the code guides tariff rates and regulatory compliance, particularly around safe handling, labeling, and transport. Customers who import high volumes rely on this code to streamline customs clearance, an often overlooked but vital step in supply chain reliability.
Fire safety and flame retardancy form the backbone of most uses for guanidine phosphate, especially in sectors that manufacture plywood, fabric, or polymer composites. The compound participates directly in reducing flammability by interrupting combustion processes and promoting char formation. Mixing ratios depend on intended performance, but the raw material remains a staple where cost-effective, halogen-free fire protection is needed. Guanidine phosphate also sees use in industrial water treatment as a corrosion inhibitor and in specialty fertilizers for controlled nutrient delivery because the elemental nitrogen and phosphorus suit plant growth cycles.
Despite its industrial uses, guanidine phosphate demands respect for safety. Classified as hazardous by several regional regulatory bodies, the compound poses risks to human health on inhalation or ingestion. Direct skin or eye contact can cause irritation, so safety goggles, gloves, and dust masks must be standard during storage and handling. Excessive dust in manufacturing plants raises both contact and respiratory exposure, which means adequate ventilation and regular workplace air quality checks hold significant weight. For environmental protection, spills must not reach waterways, since too much phosphate influences algal blooms and aquatic life.
Increasing demand for fire safety broadens the market for guanidine phosphate. Producers and end-users must not only keep technical knowledge fresh but also invest in better handling procedures and personal protective equipment. Automation of powder feeding and containment, downstream use of water-based formulations, and regular training for new staff can reduce exposure incidents. Partnering with trusted suppliers, verifying batch quality, and keeping detailed compliance documentation sustain confidence from regulators and customers alike. As the industry shifts to greener and safer chemical alternatives, guanidine phosphate’s track record provides a benchmark—demonstrating that safety, regulatory compliance, and performance can coexist with the right approach.
