Complex metaphosphate polymers

Abstract

The complexation reaction of the polymeric metaphosphate ions has been studied with copper, calcium, barium, zinc, lead, and iron ions by physicochemical measurements indicating the formation of complex derivatives of the type (Na_xM_1-x/aPO₃)n where a is the valency of the metal ion complexed. It has been possible to synthesize a large number of derivatives for the first time by the reactions of the following type: (x)NaH₂PO₄·2H₂O +(1-x/a)MO_a/2 + (1-x)(NH₄)₂HPO₄ →^{700° or 800°C}1/nNa_xM_1-x/nPO₂)_n +2(1-x)NH₃ +3/2(1+x)H₂O. The progress of the reaction has been studied on a Stanton Thermogravimetric balance and the properties (composition, viscosity, molecular weight, and conductivity) of the transparent glassy complex metaphosphates have been studied in detail throwing fresh light on Graham's salt itself as well as these new derivatives.