H12O16P4

Tetraphosphoric acid · Polyphosphoric acid

Tetraphosphoric acid is a stable, insulating phosphorus-based compound used primarily as a chemical reagent and catalyst.

HOP
Crystal structure of H12O16P4
Ground-state structure · Materials Project
Overview

About Tetraphosphoric acid

Tetraphosphoric acid is a thermodynamically stable compound characterized by its insulating electronic nature. As a member of the polyphosphoric acid family, it plays a significant role in various chemical synthesis pathways and industrial processes where controlled acidification or dehydration is required. Its structural integrity is underscored by its presence on the convex hull, indicating a highly favorable energetic state among related phosphorus-based structures. The compound is frequently utilized in specialized chemical manufacturing and as a catalyst in organic synthesis, benefiting from its unique molecular arrangement and stability. Its wide-gap electronic profile makes it an interesting subject for fundamental studies in solid-state chemistry and materials science.

At a glance

Key Properties

Cross-validated computational properties for Tetraphosphoric acid, aggregated across 3 databases.

Band Gap

5.64–5.95 eV
Range across DFT structures

Energy Above Hull

0.000 eV/atom
Best (lowest) across sources

Stability

On hull (stable)
1 DFT source

Structures

13
3 databases, 4 space groups
Uses

Applications

Where Tetraphosphoric acid is used.

Chemical synthesisCatalysisDehydrating agentIndustrial manufacturing
Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Tetraphosphoric acid, answered from cross-validated data.

What is H12O16P4?

Tetraphosphoric acid is a stable, insulating phosphorus-based compound used primarily as a chemical reagent and catalyst.

More questions
What is H12O16P4 used for?
Tetraphosphoric acid (H12O16P4) is used in chemical synthesis, catalysis, dehydrating agent, and industrial manufacturing.
What is the band gap of H12O16P4?
Tetraphosphoric acid (H12O16P4) has a DFT-computed band gap of 5.64–5.95 eV across 13 reported structures.
Is H12O16P4 a metal, semiconductor, or insulator?
With a wide band gap up to 5.95 eV it is an insulator / wide-band-gap material.
Is H12O16P4 thermodynamically stable?
Yes — Tetraphosphoric acid (H12O16P4) sits on the convex hull (energy above hull 0 eV/atom), i.e. on hull (stable).
How many polymorphs of H12O16P4 are known?
13 structures of H12O16P4 are reported across 3 databases, spanning 4 distinct space groups.
What elements does H12O16P4 contain?
Tetraphosphoric acid (H12O16P4) contains H, O, and P (3 elements).
Where does the data for H12O16P4 come from?
H12O16P4 data is cross-referenced from latticegraph.
Comparison

How It Compares

As a distinct member of the polyphosphoric acid series, this compound represents a well-defined stoichiometric point of stability. Unlike more transient or highly reactive phosphorus-oxygen species, it maintains a robust structural framework that allows for reliable performance in industrial applications.

Data sources & attribution
  • latticegraph — Lattice Graph Materials Intelligence Platform

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