In several solid-state synthesis and sol-gel synthesis for similar compounds, sometimes NH4H2PO4 is used and sometimes (NH4)2HPO4 is used instead.
I would like to find out if it is one chosen randomly and could be substituted by the other one or there is an explanation why one is chosen.
I already know their differences in acidity and that P-O bonds where the O is protonated are longer and rarely forms coordinated bonds, but I would appreaciate a further explanation for the aforementioned issue.
(NH4)2HPO4 + HOH = NH4OH + NH4H2PO4 pH 0,1 M = 8 NH4H2PO4 + HOH = NH4OH + H3PO4 pH 0,1 M = 4,4 3NH4+ + 3HOH = NH4OH + 3H+
Which salt to choose for synthesis depends on the pH of the synthesis. As you can see (NH4) 2HPO4 forms a neutral medium as a result of hydrolysis, and NH4H2PO4 is acidic.
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