What are the various applications of Phosphoric Acid? The chemical formula of phosphoric acid (orthophosphoric acid, monophosphoric acid, or phosphoric(V) acid) is H3PO4. To variable degrees, all three hydrogens are acidic and can be lost from the molecule as H+ ions (protons). The orthophosphate ion PO43−, sometimes known as "phosphate," is formed when all three H+ ions are eliminated. The dihydrogen phosphate ion H2PO−4, and the hydrogen phosphate ion H2PO−2 are formed by removing one or two protons, respectively. In chemical laboratories, phosphoric acid is often found as an 85% aqueous solution, which is a odourless, colourless, as well as non-volatile syrup-like liquid. Despite the fact that phosphoric acid does not satisfy the legal definition of a strong acid, the 85% solution can cause significant skin irritation and eye damage. Phosphoric acid, which is also a mineral acid, has the formula H3PO4 and comprises one phosphorus atom, four oxygen atoms, and three hydrogen atoms.