Metaphosphate

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A metaphosphate is a salt or an ester of metaphosphoric acid, HPO₃. Metaphosphates are condensation products of orthophosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) with the sum formula (M'PO3) n. (M': univalent cation). In contrast to polyphosphates, metaphosphates store themselves to ring molecules together. As example the 6-Ring of the trimetaphosphate is represented. Tetrametaphosphates form a similar 8-Ring.

Trimetaphosphates were used in former times in detergents; today due to the fertilization effect of the phosphates zeolites (stand silicates, as e.g. zeolite A) are used.