It is a sodium salt of triphosphoric acid, also known as 'Pentasodium Triphosphate'.

Used as a food preservative, food enhancer and quality improver, acidity regulator, emulsifier, humectant. It retains color of fruits, vegetables and beans.

Used to preserve red meats, poultry and seafood, helping them to retain their tenderness and moisture, help prevent greasy and falling apart during heating.

Also has been used mostly in laundry detergents and soaps as it helps strengthen the cleaning action.