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Send EmailPhosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid, PBTC, PBTCa, 37971-36-1
PHOSPHONOBUTANE TRICARBOXYLIC ACID (PBTC)
CAS 37971-36-1 | C₇H₁₁O₉P
SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTITY AND DEFINITION
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Phosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid |
| Other Names | PBTC, PBTCA, 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, Bayhibit AM, Dequest 7000, Mayoquest 2100, Belclene 650, Codex 551, Briquest PBTC |
| Chemical Formula | C₇H₁₁O₉P |
| Molecular Weight | ~270.13 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 37971-36-1 |
| Chemical Class | Organophosphonate / Phosphonic Acid |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow liquid (50% solution) or white crystalline solid |
| Source | Synthetic |
Description: PBTC (Phosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid) is a versatile organophosphonate widely used as a scale and corrosion inhibitor in water treatment. It is an advanced phosphonate with excellent thermal stability and effectiveness under high temperature, high hardness, and high alkalinity conditions. PBTC exhibits strong calcium carbonate scale inhibition, high corrosion prevention performance, and synergistic effects with zinc salts and copolymers. It is available in both liquid (50% solution) and solid forms, each offering distinct handling and application advantages. It is used in cooling towers, boilers, reverse osmosis systems, oilfield injection water, industrial cleaning, detergents, textile auxiliaries, and the paper and sugar industries.
SECTION 2: SYNONYMS AND OTHER NAMES
| No | Synonym / Other Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | PBTC |
| 2 | PBTCA |
| 3 | 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid |
| 4 | Bayhibit AM |
| 5 | Dequest 7000 |
| 6 | Mayoquest 2100 |
| 7 | Belclene 650 |
| 8 | Codex 551 |
| 9 | Briquest PBTC |
| 10 | Phosphonobutanetricarboxylic Acid |
| 11 | 37971-36-1 |
| 12 | Butane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, 2-phosphono- |
SECTION 3: CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Family | Organophosphonate / Phosphonic Acid |
| Structure | Butane backbone with one phosphonic acid group (-PO₃H₂) and three carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) |
| Functional Groups | Phosphonic Acid (-PO₃H₂), Three Carboxylic Acids (-COOH) |
| Chelation | Hexadentate ligand; forms stable complexes with metal ions |
| pH Dependence | Anionic character increases with pH (phosphonate and carboxylate ionization) |
Structural Formula:
HOOC - CH₂ - CH - CH₂ - COOH
|
CH - COOH
|
PO₃H₂
2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC)
Key Characteristics:
-
One phosphonic acid group: Provides strong metal ion binding
-
Three carboxylic acid groups: Provides excellent calcium tolerance and scale inhibition
-
Butane backbone: Provides thermal stability up to high temperatures
-
Low molecular weight: Allows good penetration and dispersion
SECTION 4: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Parameter | Specification | Liquid Form | Solid Form | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physical State (25°C) | Liquid / Solid | Liquid | Solid (Crystalline) | Visual |
| Appearance | - | Colorless to light yellow liquid | White crystalline solid | Visual |
| Active Content | - | 47 – 53% | 95%+ | Titration |
| Chemical Formula | C₇H₁₁O₉P | - | - | - |
| Molecular Weight | 270.13 g/mol | - | - | - |
| Density (25°C) | 1.27 – 1.31 g/cm³ | ~1.29 g/cm³ | - | ASTM D4052 |
| pH (1% Solution) | 1.5 – 2.5 | 1.5 – 2.5 | - | USP <791> |
| Freezing Point | -15°C | ~ -15°C | - | - |
| Water Solubility | Fully soluble | Fully soluble | Fully soluble (after dissolution) | - |
| Stability | Stable | Stable | Stable (if protected from moisture) | - |
| Thermal Stability | High (up to 300°C) | High | High | TGA |
| Chlorine Resistance | High | High | High | - |
| Hygroscopicity | - | Low | High (hygroscopic) | - |
SECTION 5: MECHANISM OF ACTION
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Scale Inhibition | Prevents precipitation of calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and other scales |
| Chelation | Forms stable complexes with Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺, and other metal ions |
| Crystal Distortion | Distorts crystal growth of scale-forming salts |
| Dispersion | Disperses suspended particles; prevents agglomeration and sedimentation |
| Corrosion Inhibition | Forms protective film on metal surfaces; prevents corrosion |
| Synergistic Effects | Shows synergistic effects with zinc salts, copolymers, and other water treatment chemicals |
| Calcium Tolerance | High calcium tolerance; effective in hard water conditions |
| Alkaline Stability | Stable and effective under high alkalinity conditions |
| Thermal Stability | Stable and effective at high temperatures (up to 300°C) |
SECTION 6: COMPARISON WITH OTHER PHOSPHONATES
| Property | PBTC | ATMP | DTMPA | EDTMPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Phosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid | Aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) | Diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonic acid) | Ethylenediaminetetra(methylenephosphonic acid) |
| CAS Number | 37971-36-1 | 6419-19-8 | 15827-60-8 | 1429-50-1 |
| Chemical Formula | C₇H₁₁O₉P | C₃H₁₂NO₉P₃ | C₉H₂₈N₃O₁₅P₅ | C₆H₂₀N₂O₁₂P₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 270.13 g/mol | 299.05 g/mol | 573.21 g/mol | 436.12 g/mol |
| Active Groups | 1 Phosphonic + 3 Carboxylic | 3 Phosphonic | 5 Phosphonic | 4 Phosphonic |
| Calcium Tolerance | Very High | High | High | Moderate |
| Thermal Stability | Excellent (300°C) | Good | Good | Good |
| Alkaline Stability | Excellent | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Zinc Compatibility | Excellent | Moderate | Good | Moderate |
| Scale Inhibition | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Corrosion Inhibition | Excellent | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Chlorine Resistance | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Key Applications | Water treatment, oilfield, detergents | Water treatment, cleaning | Boilers, cooling towers, detergents | Water treatment, cleaning, coatings |
SECTION 7: APPLICATIONS
| Industry | Application | Function / Benefit | Typical Dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Treatment | |||
| Cooling Towers | Scale & corrosion inhibitor | Prevents scale formation and corrosion | 2 – 10 mg/L |
| Boilers | Scale inhibitor | Prevents scale formation in boilers | 2 – 10 mg/L |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems | Scale inhibitor | Prevents membrane scaling | 2 – 10 mg/L |
| Oilfield Injection Water | Scale inhibitor | Prevents scale in injection wells | 5 – 20 mg/L |
| Geothermal Systems | Scale & corrosion inhibitor | Protects geothermal equipment | 2 – 10 mg/L |
| Industrial Cleaning | |||
| Descaling Formulations | Scale remover, chelating agent | Removes scale deposits | 5 – 20% |
| Metal Surface Treatment | Corrosion inhibitor | Protects metal surfaces | 1 – 5% |
| Detergent Formulations | |||
| Automatic Dishwashing | Scale inhibitor, chelating agent | Prevents spotting and filming | 1 – 5% |
| Industrial Cleaners | Chelating agent, scale inhibitor | Improves cleaning efficiency | 1 – 5% |
| Textile Industry | |||
| Textile Auxiliaries | Dispersant, chelating agent | Prevents metal ion interference | 0.1 – 1.0% |
| Paper Industry | |||
| Paper Production | Scale inhibitor | Prevents scale in paper machines | 1 – 5 mg/L |
| Sugar Industry | |||
| Sugar Processing | Scale inhibitor | Prevents scale in evaporators | 2 – 10 mg/L |
| Hydrogen Peroxide Stabilization | |||
| Bleaching Processes | Stabilizer | Stabilizes hydrogen peroxide | 0.1 – 1.0% |
SECTION 8: LIQUID FORM vs SOLID FORM COMPARISON
| Parameter | Liquid Form (PBTC Solution) | Solid Form (PBTC Salts – Na/K) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Content | 47 – 53% | 95%+ (salt form) |
| Appearance | Light yellow liquid | White crystalline powder |
| Ease of Use | Direct dosing; ready to use | Requires dissolution before use |
| Storage | Drums/IBC tanks; above -15°C | Moisture-proof bags; protect from humidity |
| Transport Safety | Corrosive; careful handling required | Safer; more compact |
| Shelf Life | Moderate (temperature sensitive) | Long (if protected from moisture) |
| Hygroscopicity | Low | High (hygroscopic) |
| pH (1% Solution) | 1.5 – 2.5 | ~4.0 – 6.0 (depending on salt form) |
| Corrosivity | High (acidic) | Low (neutralized) |
| Dosing Equipment | Chemical dosing pumps | Dissolution tank + dosing pumps |
| Packaging | 25 kg, 200 kg drums; 1000 kg IBC tanks | 25 kg moisture-proof bags; big bags |
| Application Advantages | Easy integration into existing systems | Lower transportation cost; longer shelf life |
| Application Disadvantages | Corrosive; careful storage required | Requires dissolution and mixing equipment |
SECTION 9: ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Excellent Scale Inhibition | Strongly inhibits calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and other scale formation |
| High Corrosion Prevention | High performance as corrosion inhibitor |
| Thermal Stability | Effective at high temperatures (up to 300°C) |
| Calcium Tolerance | High calcium tolerance; effective in hard water conditions |
| Alkaline Stability | Stable and effective under high alkalinity conditions |
| Chlorine Resistance | Resistant to chlorine oxidation |
| Synergistic Effects | Synergistic with zinc salts, copolymers, and other water treatment chemicals |
| Hydrogen Peroxide Stabilization | Stabilizes hydrogen peroxide in bleaching processes |
| Versatility | Suitable for water treatment, detergents, textiles, paper, sugar, and industrial cleaning |
| Metal Ion Complexation | Forms stable complexes with Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺, and other metal ions |
| Low Dosage | Effective at low concentrations (2-10 mg/L) |
| Environmentally Friendly | Biodegradable; phosphorus-based but effective at low doses |
SECTION 10: FORMULATION AND USAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dosage (Water Treatment) | 2 – 10 mg/L (active basis) |
| pH Range | 4.0 – 10.0 (optimal 6.0 – 9.0) |
| Temperature Range | 20 – 300°C |
| Application Method | Continuous dosing or periodic dosing |
| Liquid Form Storage Temperature | 5 – 40°C (protect from freezing; above -15°C) |
| Solid Form Storage | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; protect from moisture |
| Mixing | Liquid form: direct injection; Solid form: dissolve in water before use |
| Combination with Other Chemicals | Can be combined with zinc salts, copolymers, corrosion inhibitors, biocides |
| Pre-Compatibility Test | Pre-compatibility test with other chemicals should be performed |
SECTION 11: REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | Permitted | Permitted for use as water treatment chemical |
| Turkey | Permitted | Compliant with EU legislation |
| USA (FDA) | Permitted | Permitted for food contact applications (indirect) |
| Japan | Permitted | Approved as water treatment chemical |
| Canada | Permitted | Health Canada approved |
| REACH | Registered | Compliant with EU chemical regulations |
SECTION 12: SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
| Parameter | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50) | > 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Acute Dermal Toxicity | Low toxicity |
| Skin Irritation | May be irritating (acidic form) |
| Eye Irritation | May cause severe irritation (acidic form) |
| Skin Sensitization | Low potential |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified (IARC, NTP) |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic |
| Reproductive Toxicity | Not classified |
| Aquatic Toxicity | Low – Moderate |
| Biodegradability | Biodegradable |
| Corrosivity | Corrosive (acidic form) |
GHS Classification (Acidic Form):
-
R34 – Causes burns
-
R35 – Causes severe burns
Safety Recommendations:
-
S26: In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice
-
S36/37/39: Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves, and eye/face protection
-
S45: In case of accident, seek medical advice
-
S27: Remove all contaminated clothing immediately
-
S23: Do not breathe vapor
-
PPE: Chemical resistant gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing
Special Precautions:
-
Liquid Form: Corrosive due to low pH; use appropriate materials (stainless steel, plastic) for storage and dosing equipment
-
Solid Form: Hygroscopic; protect from moisture
SECTION 13: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Liquid Form | Solid Form |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | 5 – 40°C (protect from freezing; above -15°C) | 5 – 30°C (cool, dry) |
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Container Requirements | Sealed containers; corrosive resistant materials (plastic, stainless steel) | Moisture-proof bags; sealed containers |
| Protect From | Freezing, excessive heat, contamination | Moisture, humidity, contamination |
| Shelf Life | 12 – 24 months (under proper storage) | 24 – 36 months (under proper storage) |
| Degradation Signs | Precipitation, color change, odor change | Caking, discoloration, moisture absorption |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most water treatment chemicals | Compatible with most water treatment chemicals |
SECTION 14: COMPARISON SUMMARY TABLE
| Parameter | PBTC | ATMP | DTMPA | EDTMPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 37971-36-1 | 6419-19-8 | 15827-60-8 | 1429-50-1 |
| Chemical Formula | C₇H₁₁O₉P | C₃H₁₂NO₉P₃ | C₉H₂₈N₃O₁₅P₅ | C₆H₂₀N₂O₁₂P₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 270.13 | 299.05 | 573.21 | 436.12 |
| Active Groups | 1 Phosphonic + 3 Carboxylic | 3 Phosphonic | 5 Phosphonic | 4 Phosphonic |
| Calcium Tolerance | Very High | High | High | Moderate |
| Thermal Stability | Excellent (300°C) | Good | Good | Good |
| Alkaline Stability | Excellent | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Zinc Compatibility | Excellent | Moderate | Good | Moderate |
| Scale Inhibition | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Corrosion Inhibition | Excellent | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Chlorine Resistance | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Key Applications | Water treatment, oilfield, detergents | Water treatment, cleaning | Boilers, cooling towers, detergents | Water treatment, cleaning, coatings |
SECTION 15: QUALITY CERTIFICATES AND STANDARDS
| Certificate / Standard | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001:2015 | Certified | Quality management system |
| ISO 14001:2015 | Certified | Environmental management system |
| FDA 21 CFR | Compliant | Food contact applications |
| REACH | Registered | EU chemical regulation compliance |
| Certificate of Analysis (COA) | Provided with each batch | Includes binding specifications |
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Available | Current 16-section document |
| Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | Available | Comprehensive technical information |
| GMP | Compliant | Manufacturing quality standards |
SECTION 16: DISCLAIMER AND LEGAL NOTICE
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Information Purpose | This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding specification. |
| Typical Values | Values stated herein are based on typical laboratory results and may vary slightly between batches. |
| Binding Data | For binding specifications, the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch should be requested. |
| User Responsibility | The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for the intended application and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. |
| SDS Requirement | A current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should be requested from the supplier prior to use. |
| Safety Information | Safety information in this document is based on current knowledge but does not constitute a guarantee of the product's health and safety risks. |
| Regulatory Changes | The user is responsible for monitoring local and international regulatory changes. |
| Product Quality | Product quality is guaranteed in accordance with the standards specified in this document. |
| License / Patents | This document does not grant any license or patent rights for use of the product. |
| Side Effects | Acidic form may cause skin and eye irritation; appropriate protective measures should be taken. |
DISCLAIMER (LEGAL NOTICE): This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding specification. The values stated herein are based on typical laboratory results. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for the intended application and for ensuring compliance with all local regulations. A current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) should be requested prior to use. Acidic form may cause skin and eye irritation; appropriate protective measures should be taken. This document does not grant any license or patent rights for use of the product.
