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Send EmailPhosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid, 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, PBTC , PBTCa, 37971-36-1
Technical Information – PBTC (Liquid Form)
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC, PBTCA) |
| CAS No. | 37971-36-1 |
| EINECS No. | 253-733-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₁₁O₉P |
| Molar Mass | 270.13 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Density (20°C, 50% aq.) | ~1.25 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point (Predicted) | ~545 °C |
| Flash Point | ~334 °C |
| Water Solubility | 909 g/L at 20 °C, completely miscible |
| pKa | ~1.14 |
| Refractive Index | 1.579 |
| Vapor Pressure (25°C) | ~0 Pa |
| Freezing Point | -15 °C |
| Stability | Excellent hydrolytic stability up to 120 °C; resistant to acids, alkalis, oxidants, chlorine, and ferric ions |
Technical Information – PBTC (Powder Form)
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTC, PBTCA) |
| CAS No. | 37971-36-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₁₁O₉P |
| Molar Mass | 270.13 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Fully soluble in water |
| pH (1% solution) | ~2.0 ± 0.5 |
| Active Content | 100% PBTC |
| Density | Solid form, not typically specified |
| Stability | Excellent hydrolytic stability up to 120 °C; resistant to acids, alkalis, oxidants, chlorine, and ferric ions |
| Packaging | 25 kg bags, fiber drums, or cartons (typical commercial packaging) |
| Shelf Life | Long, provided it is stored dry and |
PBTC Powder vs. Liquid Form – Technical Comparison
| Feature | PBTC Powder Form | PBTC Liquid Form |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | Clear, colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Active Content | ~100% PBTC | ~40–50% PBTC (aqueous solution) |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₁₁O₉P | C₇H₁₁O₉P |
| Molar Mass | 270.13 g/mol | 270.13 g/mol |
| Density | Solid form (not specified) | ~1.25 g/cm³ (50% aq., 20°C) |
| pH (1% solution) | ~2.0 ± 0.5 | ~2.0 ± 0.5 |
| Solubility | Fully soluble in water (requires dissolution before use) | Completely miscible in water, ready to dose |
| Stability | Long shelf life if kept dry and sealed | Stable up to 120 °C, resistant to acids, alkalis, oxidants, chlorine, ferric ions |
| Packaging | 25 kg bags, fiber drums, cartons | 30 kg plastic drums, 250 kg IBC tanks |
| Shelf Life | Longer (dry storage, moisture sensitive) | ~12 months in sealed containers |
| Advantages | - Concentrated, lower transport cost - Longer storage stability |
- Easy dosing, no dissolution - Compatible with automatic dosing systems |
| Disadvantages | - Must be dissolved before use - Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) |
- Bulkier, higher transport cost - Shorter shelf life than powder |
| Typical Dosage | 5–15 mg/L (after dissolution) | 5–15 mg/L (direct dosing) |
| Applications | Water treatment, detergents, textiles, ceramics, oilfield injection | Same applications, preferred in continuous feed systems |
Summary:
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Powder PBTC is ideal for long-term storage and logistics efficiency, especially when transport costs matter.
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Liquid PBTC is preferred for ease of use and continuous dosing in industrial water treatment systems.
🔹 Applications
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Water Treatment: Highly efficient scale and corrosion inhibitor in cooling towers, boilers, reverse osmosis, and oilfield injection water.
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Detergent Industry: Chelating agent and metal cleaning additive.
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Textile Industry: Dispersant to prevent dye particle clumping and improve color fastness.
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Ceramics Industry: Dispersant to prevent particle agglomeration during processing.
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Medical Research: Investigated for antimicrobial properties.
🔹 Performance Highlights
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Effective under high temperature, high hardness, high alkalinity, and high concentration conditions.
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Excellent complexation ability with Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺ ions.
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Strong synergistic effect with zinc salts, polyphosphates, copolymers, and azoles.
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Typical dosage: 5–15 mg/L, continuous feeding recommended.
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Can increase circulating cooling water concentration ratio to >7.
⚠️ Safety & Handling
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Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
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UN ID: 3265
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Packing Group: III
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Risk Codes: R34 – Causes burns
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Safety Codes:
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S26 – In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
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S45 – In case of accident or feeling unwell, seek medical advice immediately.
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Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ in rats > 6500 mg/kg (low toxicity).
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Irritation: Moderate eye irritation in rabbit mucosal tests.
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Precautions: Use gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when handling.
Summary: PBTC is a next-generation phosphonic carboxylic acid widely used as a scale and corrosion inhibitor. Its stability, low toxicity, and ability to perform under harsh water conditions make it one of the most effective and versatile water treatment agents available.
