Sodium phosphate is a white, odorless, and crystalline powder that is widely used as a food additive, in detergents, and in water treatment. It is a source of phosphorus and can be found in various forms, including monosodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, and trisodium phosphate. It can also be used as a buffering agent and a sequestrant, helping to regulate the acidity and stability of processed foods. In medicine, it is used as a laxative and as a component of some intravenous fluids. Sodium phosphate is also used in industrial applications such as metal cleaning and electroplating.