What is "trisodium phosphate"

n. the tertiary phosphate of sodium used as a builder in soaps and detergents [syn: trisodium orthophosphate, tribasic sodium phosphate]

Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaPO. It is a white, granular or crystalline solid, highly soluble in water producing an alkaline solution. TSPs are used as cleaning agent, lubricant, food additive, stain remover and degreaser.

The item of commerce is often partially hydrated and may range from anhydrous NaPO, to the dodecahydrate, Na PO·12 HO. Most often found in white powder form, it can also be called trisodium orthophosphate or simply sodium phosphate.