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Send EmailPhosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid, 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic Acid, PBTC, PBTCa, 37971-36-1
2-PHOSPHONOBUTANE-1,2,4-TRICARBOXYLIC ACID (PBTC)
PRODUCT IDENTIFIER INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) |
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid |
| CAS Number | 37971-36-1 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 253-733-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₁₁O₉P |
| Molecular Weight | 270.13 g/mol |
SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid |
| Systematic Name | 2-Phosphono-1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid |
| Synonyms | PBTC, PBTCa, 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, PBTCA, Phosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid |
| Abbreviations | PBTC, PBTCa, PBTCA |
| CAS Number | 37971-36-1 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 253-733-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₁₁O₉P |
| Molecular Weight | 270.13 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Organophosphonic acid (phosphonocarboxylate) |
| Physical State (20°C) | Clear to slightly yellowish liquid (40-50% solution) or white crystalline powder (solid) |
| Odor | Slight characteristic |
| Taste | Acidic (not applicable for direct consumption) |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance (Solution) | Clear to slightly yellowish liquid | Visual |
| Appearance (Solid) | White crystalline powder | Visual |
| Odor | Slight characteristic | Olfactometric |
| Molecular Weight | 270.13 g/mol | Calculated |
| Density (20°C, Solution) | ~1.25 – 1.30 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
| pH (1% Solution, 25°C) | 1.8 – 2.5 | pH Meter |
| Active Content (Commercial Solution) | 40 – 50% | Titrimetric / HPLC |
| Solubility in Water | Completely soluble | General Method |
| Thermal Stability | Excellent; stable up to 200°C | TGA |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; incompatible with strong oxidizing agents |
SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Character | Organophosphonic acid (phosphonocarboxylate); scale and corrosion inhibitor; chelating agent |
| Chelation | Forms stable complexes with Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ |
| Scale Inhibition | Excellent CaCO₃ scale inhibition through threshold effect and crystal distortion |
| Corrosion Inhibition | Effective cathodic corrosion inhibitor, especially on carbon steel |
| Calcium Tolerance | Excellent; high tolerance to calcium ions without precipitation |
| Thermal Stability | Excellent; stable up to 200°C |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases |
| Decomposition Products (Heating) | CO, CO₂, phosphorus oxides (P₂O₅) |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Does not occur |
SECTION 4: PBTC POWDER VS. LIQUID FORM COMPARISON
| Property | PBTC Powder Form | PBTC Liquid Form |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Appearance | White crystalline powder | Clear to slightly yellowish liquid |
| Solubility | Water soluble; requires dissolution before use | Completely water soluble; direct dosing possible |
| Density | Solid form, density not specified | ~1.25–1.30 g/cm³ (20°C) |
| pH (1% Solution) | ~2.0 ± 0.5 in solution | 2.0 ± 0.5 |
| Active Content | 100% PBTC | 40–50% PBTC (commercial solutions) |
| Shelf Life | Long; protect from moisture | ~12 months, cool and sealed packaging |
| Packaging | 25 kg bag, cardboard box | 30 kg plastic drum, 250 kg IBC tank |
| Advantages | - Concentrated form, low shipping cost |
-
Long shelf life | - Direct use, no dissolution required
-
Compatible with automatic dosing pumps |
| Disadvantages | - Requires dissolution process -
Risk of moisture absorption | - More bulky, higher shipping cost
-
Shorter shelf life compared to powder |
| Typical Application | Long-term storage, logistics advantage | Continuous feed systems, practical use |
SECTION 5: PHOSPHONATES COMPARISON
| Property | PBTC | HEDP | ATMP | EDTMP | DTPMP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 37971-36-1 | 2809-21-4 | 6419-19-8 | 1429-50-1 | 15827-60-8 |
| Chemical Class | Phosphonocarboxylate | Diphosphonate | Phosphonate | Phosphonate | Polyphosphonate |
| Phosphorus Content | ~11.5% | ~30% | ~31% | ~28% | ~27% |
| Calcium Tolerance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Chlorine Stability | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate | Poor | Poor |
| Thermal Stability | Up to 200°C | Up to 250°C | Up to 200°C | Up to 150°C | Up to 150°C |
| Scale Inhibition | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Primary Use | Cooling water, RO, oil & gas, detergents | Cooling water, boilers, oil & gas | Cooling water, oil & gas | Cooling water, boilers | Cooling water, oil & gas |
SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Excellent Scale Inhibitor | Prevents CaCO₃ and other mineral scale precipitation through threshold effect and crystal modification |
| High Calcium Tolerance | Forms soluble complexes with calcium ions; does not precipitate even at high calcium concentrations |
| Corrosion Inhibitor | Provides cathodic corrosion protection; forms protective film on metal surfaces |
| Metal Ion Chelation | Forms stable water-soluble complexes with Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ |
| High Temperature Performance | Effective under high temperature, high hardness, and high alkalinity conditions |
| Chlorine Stable | Does not degrade in presence of chlorine; suitable for chlorinated water systems |
| Dispersing Agent | Prevents agglomeration of suspended particles in water systems |
SECTION 7: PRIMARY APPLICATION AREAS AND DOSAGE
| Sector / Application | Function | Typical Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Water Systems | Scale and corrosion inhibitor | 5 – 15 ppm (continuous feed) |
| Boiler Water Treatment | Scale inhibitor | 5 – 20 ppm |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems | Scale inhibitor (CaCO₃, CaSO₄, BaSO₄) | 2 – 10 ppm |
| Oilfield Injection Water | Scale and corrosion prevention in injection wells | 10 – 30 ppm |
| Detergent Industry | Chelating and metal cleaning agent | 500 – 2000 ppm |
| Textile Industry | Prevents dye particle adhesion; improves color fastness | 10 – 50 ppm |
| Ceramic Industry | Prevents ceramic particle agglomeration during processing | 10 – 50 ppm |
| Medical Research | Antimicrobial properties under investigation | Research stage |
SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (COMMERCIAL SOLUTION - 50% ACTIVE)
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear to slightly yellowish liquid | Visual |
| Active Content (PBTC) | 48 – 52% | Titrimetric / HPLC |
| Phosphorous Acid (H₃PO₃) | ≤ 1.0% | Titrimetric |
| Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄) | ≤ 0.5% | Titrimetric |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.01% | Argentometric |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 20 ppm | AAS |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Density (20°C) | 1.25 – 1.30 g/cm³ | ASTM D4052 |
| pH (1% Solution, 25°C) | 1.8 – 2.5 | pH Meter |
SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (SOLID / POWDER FORM)
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | Visual |
| Active Content (PBTC) | ≥ 98.0% | Titrimetric / HPLC |
| Loss on Drying (105°C, 2 hours) | ≤ 1.0% | Gravimetric |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 20 ppm | AAS |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | ICP-MS |
SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Skin Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Irritant |
| Respiratory Irritation | Inhalation of mist may cause irritation |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified |
| Mutagenicity | Negative in standard tests |
| Environmental Toxicity | Low to moderate aquatic toxicity |
| Biodegradability | Not readily biodegradable |
SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING
GHS Classification (compliant with 1272/2008/EC):
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Acute Toxicity (Oral) | Category 4 | H302 |
| Skin Irritation | Category 2 | H315 |
| Serious Eye Damage/Irritation | Category 1 | H318 |
| STOT - SE | Category 3 | H335 |
Signal Word: DANGER
Hazard Pictograms: GHS05 (Corrosive), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)
Hazard Statements (H-Codes):
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation |
SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection |
| P301+P312 | IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water and soap |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present |
| P310 | Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor |
| P501 | Dispose of contents/container to approved hazardous waste facility |
SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of water and soap for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek immediate medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention. |
SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Non-flammable; decomposes releasing toxic fumes |
| Hazards During Fire | CO, CO₂, phosphorus oxides (P₂O₅) |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media | Any extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire |
| Special Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
| Special Precautions | Prevent firefighting water from entering environment |
SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, shaded area; tightly closed containers |
| Container Requirements | Plastic drums (HDPE), IBC tanks; protect from moisture |
| Keep Away From | Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases |
| Shelf Life (Solution) | ~12 months (under appropriate storage conditions) |
| Shelf Life (Solid) | 24 months (unopened original packaging; protect from moisture) |
| Stability Note | Solid form is hygroscopic; protect from moisture absorption |
SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic drum | 30 kg | HDPE |
| IBC Tank | 250 kg | HDPE |
| Plastic drum | 200 L | HDPE |
| Kraft bag (powder form) | 25 kg | Kraft paper + PE liner |
| Cardboard box (powder form) | 25 kg | Cardboard + PE liner |
SECTION 17: TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | UN 3265 (Corrosive Liquid, Acidic, Organic, n.o.s.) |
| Hazard Class | 8 (Corrosive) |
| Packing Group | III |
| ADR/RID | UN 3265, Corrosive Liquid, 8, PG III |
| IMDG Code | UN 3265, Corrosive Liquid, 8, PG III |
| IATA (Air) | UN 3265, Corrosive Liquid, 8, PG III |
| Marine Pollutant | No |
| Transport Temperature | Ambient; protect from freezing |
SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union | REACH registered; approved for water treatment and industrial applications |
| USA (EPA) | Registered; approved for cooling water and boiler treatment |
| Turkey | Industrial chemical; subject to chemical registration regulations |
| NSF International | Certified for drinking water treatment chemicals (specific grades) |
SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Common Names | PBTC, PBTCa, PBTCA, 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid |
| Chemical Names | 2-Phosphono-1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid, Phosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid |
| Turkish Names | Fosfono Bütan Trikarboksilik Asit |
| CAS Number | 37971-36-1 |
| EC Number | 253-733-5 |
SECTION 20: APPLICATION DOSAGE SUMMARY TABLE
| Sector | Application | Typical Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Water Systems | Scale and corrosion inhibitor | 5 – 15 ppm (continuous feed) |
| Boiler Water Treatment | Scale inhibitor | 5 – 20 ppm |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | Scale inhibitor | 2 – 10 ppm |
| Oilfield Injection Water | Scale and corrosion prevention | 10 – 30 ppm |
| Detergent Industry | Chelating agent | 500 – 2000 ppm |
| Textile Industry | Anti-adhesion agent | 10 – 50 ppm |
| Ceramic Industry | Anti-agglomeration | 10 – 50 ppm |
SECTION 21: INDUSTRIAL ADVANTAGES SUMMARY
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| High Calcium Tolerance | Excellent tolerance to calcium ions without precipitation; superior to many other phosphonates |
| High Temperature Performance | Effective under high temperature, high hardness, and high alkalinity conditions |
| Chlorine Stability | Stable in presence of chlorine; suitable for chlorinated water systems |
| Synergy with Zinc and Copolymers | High-performance combinations with zinc salts and copolymers |
| Versatility | Wide range of industrial applications from water treatment to detergents and textiles |
| Low Dosage Efficiency | Effective at very low concentrations (5-15 ppm for scale inhibition) |
SECTION 22: SUMMARY TABLE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) |
| CAS Number | 37971-36-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₁₁O₉P |
| Molecular Weight | 270.13 g/mol |
| Appearance (Solution) | Clear to slightly yellowish liquid |
| Appearance (Solid) | White crystalline powder |
| pH (1% Solution) | 1.8 – 2.5 |
| Primary Function | Scale inhibitor, corrosion inhibitor, chelating agent |
| Shelf Life (Solution) | ~12 months |
| Shelf Life (Solid) | 24 months |
| GHS Signal Word | Danger |
| UN Number | UN 3265 (Corrosive Liquid, 8, PG III) |
SECTION 23: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
-
Eye Damage: Causes serious eye damage (H318). Always wear chemical splash goggles and face shield.
-
Skin Irritation: Causes skin irritation (H315). Wear acid-resistant gloves and protective clothing.
-
Harmful if Swallowed: May cause gastrointestinal irritation (H302).
-
Acidic Solution: Commercial solution is acidic (pH 1.8-2.5); handle with appropriate acid-resistant equipment.
-
Powder Hygroscopicity: Solid/powder form is hygroscopic; protect from moisture absorption.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
-
Cooling Water: Use at 5-15 ppm continuous feed for optimal scale and corrosion inhibition; combine with zinc salts and copolymers for enhanced performance.
-
Reverse Osmosis: Use at 2-10 ppm as scale inhibitor for CaCO₃, CaSO₄, and BaSO₄ control.
-
Oilfield Injection: Use at 10-30 ppm for scale prevention in injection wells and improved oil recovery efficiency.
-
Detergents: Use at 500-2000 ppm as chelating and metal cleaning agent.
-
Powder Form: Dissolve completely before use; protect from moisture during storage.
-
Liquid Form: Suitable for automatic dosing pumps; no pre-dissolution required.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is presented in good faith based on our current knowledge and experience; however, since all usage conditions are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are obligated to test the suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.
