2-Phosphonobutane -1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid (PBTC)

Phosphonobutane or 2 Phosphonobutane 1, 2, 4 Tricarboxylic Acid, abbreviated as PBTC, is available in both powder and solution forms. Its soluble form is a yellow and clear liquid. Regarding the application of this material, it can be said that the main application of phosphonobutane is in the water treatment industry. This material is used as an anti-corrosion and anti-scaling agent in industrial units that deal with water. Shanghai Chemex is one of the most reputable suppliers of this chemical in the world.

Physical and Chemical Properties of PBTC:

In the structure of this phosphonate, carbon is attached to phosphorus and phosphorus to oxygen. The presence of a strong bond between phosphorus and carbon makes these materials’ hydrolyzing difficult. PBTC in standard conditions is yellow liquid in appearance, but it is also available in powder form. the water-soluble form of this phosphonate is also common. The most important physical and chemical properties of this material can be summarized in the table below:

Name	Phosphonobutane
Chemical formula	C7H11O9P
Molecular weight (g/mol)	270.13
Appearance	Solid or Liquid
Density (g/cm3)	1.30
Boiling point (°C)	545.2±60.0
Solubility	Completely solved
Chemical Structure Depiction

Synthesis and Production of PBTC:

In general, there are different ways to prepare this phosphonate some of the most important of these are described below:

In the first method, we can use dimethyl hydrogen phosphate with dimethylformamide in the presence of sodium monoxide. Over time, methyl acrylate is added to it, and after hydrolysis, the desired substance is obtained.

In the second method, tetramethyl phosphonosuccinate and methyl acrylate are used. Over time, and with the addition of chloric acid to the system, the desired product is synthesized.

In the third method, which is a continuous method, dimethyl hydrogen phosphate, and maleic anhydride are used in the presence of sodium methoxide, then methyl acrylate is added to the system and the desired product is obtained by cooling and hydrolyzing.

There are other methods for producing this material, the raw materials used in most of them are similar and their differences are in the techniques, for example, some differences in the order of adding consumables or the order of performing facial operations has taken.

PBTC Uses:

Water treatment:

One of the most important applications of this material is in water purification. PBTC is used as an anti-corrosion and antiscalant in industrial units. Water used in cooling systems and other industrial equipment contains hardening agents and impurities such as calcium carbonate and copper ions. These impurities cause many problems, including sedimentation in pipes and other paths that deal with water, and also cause corrosion in the system.

Amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP) and Etidronic acid  (HEDP) also have this capability, but there are two barriers to using these substances: Limitations in the solubility of their salts and their low resistance to oxidizing agents

Anticorrosion and antiscalants:

This substance has more power than other phosphonates as an anti-corrosion and anti-scaling agent. It can be used to control the deposition of calcium carbonate. In addition, this substance is very useful in harsh conditions and very high temperatures, and with high alkalinity.

Cooling systems and industrial water treatment units:

In systems where water plays a key role as a cooling agent, the presence of substances such as calcium ions causes deposits inside the equipment, which blocks the passage of water and makes the system inefficient. The best way to solve this problem is to use antiscalants such as PBTC.

Industrial detergents:

One of the most important applications of phosphates is in the production of detergents. The use of these materials has the following advantages: reducing hardness and preventing the formation of sediment and dispersion of contaminants and controlling their deposition.

Buy PBTC:

For more information on purchasing and ordering this product, please contact our experts in Shanghai Chemex through the numbers on the site.

Safety Information:

The use of this substance may cause side effects and allergies in people. Inhalation of vapors and dust containing phosphonobutane can cause respiratory problems and allergies in the respiratory system and severe cough. Contact with the skin can lead to injury and damage to the skin tissue.

Therefore, the use of gloves, goggles, and special clothing is recommended when working with this material, and it is also necessary to observe all safety tips.

Transporting and storage:

Keep the container tightly closed in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place away from food containers or incompatible materials.