[MeliiixD]

Hello

I have to solve the following question for chem class:
List some chemical and physical properties of phosphoric acid that make it such a useful product.

I found the following properties on http://www.vital-visions.net/school/projects/phos-acid.htm:
-incompatible with strong caustics and most metals
-liquid can become a solid at a room temperature below 21 degrees
-very corrosive to ferrous metal and alloys
-soluble in alcohol and hot water.
-can form three series of salts: primary phosphates, dibasic phosphates, and tribasic phosphates
-deliquescent and hygroscopic.
-is a chelating agent.
-low vapour pressure at room temperature.

I also researched the following uses:
-Chemical intermediate or reagent in the production of numerous fertilizers, agricultural feeds, waxes, polishes, soaps and detergents
-Added to food as a preservative, flavor enhancement, clarifying agent
-Used in medicine and dentistry as an ingredient in anti-nausea medications

But i just can't figure out how those are in a relationship with each other, i tried to research what is important for the different uses but that didn't give me any good results.

Thank you

[Arkcon]

There is another, very important use for phosphoric acid, that may mesh better with it's chemical properties.  So you may have better results with a little more searching.

This is a tough question, the way you have worked on it.  Living things need phosphorus to grow.  No matter how "inconvenient" the physical properties, we'll always add it to fertilizer, or crops won't grow.  So for the biggest use, any negative properties you find, don't enter into the discussion.

[vmelkon]

I found the following properties on http://www.vital-visions.net/school/projects/phos-acid.htm:
-incompatible with strong caustics and most metals

What does that mean exactly?