PBTCA/2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid
PBTCA Chemical - Versatile scale and corrosion inhibitor for water treatment.
PBTCA (2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid)
- CAS Number: 37971-36-1
- UN NO.: 3265
- EINECS NO.: 253-733-5
- Molecular Formula: C₇H₁₁O₉P
- Active Content: 50%
- Appearance: Clear, colorless to light yellow liquid.
- Package: 250KGS/DRUM, 1.25MT/IBC
- Other Name: PBTC, 2-Phosphono-1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid, 1,2,4-Butanetricarboxylic acid; 2-phosphono-
What is PBTCA?
PBTCA (2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid) is a low-phosphorus organophosphonic acid widely used as a scale and corrosion inhibitor in industrial water treatment. It provides effective control of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate deposits and offers good stability in high-hardness, high-temperature and chlorinated water systems.
2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid Specification
| ITEMS | SPECIFICATIONS |
| Active content(PBTC)% | 50% MIN |
| Phosphorus acid(AS PO33-)% | 0.5% MAX |
| Phosphoric acid(as PO43-)% | 0.2% MAX |
| Ph(1% solution) | 2.0 MAX |
| Chloride(as Cl-)ppm | 10 MAX |
| Density(20℃)g/cm³ | 1.270 MIN |
| Fe (iron) ppm | 10 MAX |
2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid for Sale
- Scale Inhibition: PBTCA effectively prevents calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate scale, even under high temperature and high hardness conditions.
- Zinc Stabilization: It keeps zinc ions stable in cooling water up to pH 9.5, enabling efficient alkaline treatment programs.
- Chlorine Resistance: PBTCA remains stable in chlorinated systems and resists oxidation better than traditional phosphonates.
- Low Phosphorus: Its low phosphorus content helps meet environmental regulations and reduces eutrophication risk.
What is PBTCA Used for
For Industrial Cooling Water: It acts as a highly effective scale and corrosion inhibitor in circulating cooling water systems, protecting pipelines and improving heat exchange efficiency, especially under harsh conditions of high temperature, hardness, and alkalinity.
In Oilfield Water Injection: 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid is used to inhibit scale formation and corrosion in oilfield water injection systems.
In Detergent & Cleaning: It serves as a chelating agent to remove metal ions in water and as a component in metal surface cleaning formulations.
In Boiler Water Treatment: 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid is applied in combination with other water treatment agents for boiler water systems.
With Key Performance Advantages: It offers excellent scale inhibition, good corrosion inhibition, high compatibility and chlorine resistance, and a low phosphorus content for environmental compliance.
PBTCA vs HEDP: What Is the Difference?
Both PBTCA and HEDP are widely used phosphonate-based chemicals for scale and corrosion control in industrial water treatment. However, their chemical structures and performance characteristics are different, making each product suitable for different water conditions and treatment programs.
| Comparison Item | PBTCA | HEDP |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium Carbonate Scale Control | Excellent, especially under high-hardness and high-alkalinity conditions | Excellent under many normal industrial water conditions |
| Calcium Compatibility | Generally higher calcium tolerance, helping reduce the risk of calcium-phosphonate precipitation | Lower calcium compatibility compared with PBTCA under certain high-calcium conditions |
| Chlorine and Oxidant Stability | Excellent stability in chlorinated or oxidizing water treatment programs | Good performance, but may be less resistant to strong or prolonged oxidizing conditions |
| High Temperature Performance | Well suited for high-temperature and demanding cooling water systems | Can perform effectively in many industrial water systems |
| High Hardness Water | Particularly suitable for high-hardness and high-alkalinity water | Commonly used, but treatment performance should be evaluated based on water chemistry |
| Zinc Stabilization | Good zinc compatibility and stabilization in alkaline cooling water programs | Can be used with other treatment chemicals, depending on the formulation |
| Phosphorus Profile | Generally considered a lower-phosphorus phosphonate option | Contains a higher phosphorus contribution relative to PBTCA in many treatment formulations |
| Typical Applications | Circulating cooling water, high-hardness water, chlorinated systems, and complex treatment programs | Cooling water, boiler water treatment, metal cleaning, and general industrial water treatment |
| Formulation Flexibility | Often used with polymers, zinc salts, and other corrosion inhibitors in multi-component programs | Widely used alone or in combination with other water treatment chemicals |
| Best Choice When | High hardness, high alkalinity, strong oxidant exposure, or high calcium compatibility is important | A proven, versatile phosphonate is needed for general industrial water treatment |
FAQ of 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid
PBTCA, also known as 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid, is a phosphonate-based water treatment chemical. It is widely used as a scale and corrosion inhibitor in industrial water systems.
PBTCA is mainly used in circulating cooling water, oilfield water injection, boiler water treatment, and other industrial water systems. It can also be used in certain cleaning and detergent formulations as a chelating agent.
PBTCA itself is non-toxic, but it can irritate skin and eyes. Always wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. If contact occurs, flush with plenty of water.
Yes. PBTCA has strong dispersing properties. It performs well in high turbidity, high iron, and high hardness circulating water systems.
PBTCA has good resistance to chlorine and other oxidizing conditions, making it suitable for many chlorinated water treatment programs. Compatibility and dosage should still be evaluated based on the specific system and treatment formulation.
No. Our PBTCA is produced under strict quality control. Heavy metal content (Fe, As, Pb) is tested and kept below standard limits. CoA is provided with each batch.
This product is available in standard 250kg drums or 1.25MT/IBC for large-volume requirements.
Store PBTCA in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Keep the container tightly sealed and protect it from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture.
Phosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid Suppliers
HOOCHEMTEC: Your Trusted PBTCA Manufacturer & Partner
We are a direct manufacturer and professional exporter of high-quality PBTCA (2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid), with years of experience serving the global water treatment industry.
Quality You Can Depend On:
Every batch is tested in our own laboratory. You receive a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with each shipment — confirming active content, density, pH, and chloride levels. No guesswork. Just consistent quality.
Safe & Compliant Export:
PBTCA is classified as UN 3265 (Corrosive, Class 8) . We handle all dangerous goods documentation professionally, including MSDS, transport certificates, and export customs clearance. Your shipment arrives safely and on time.
Flexible & Customer-Focused:
We offer 250kg drums, or 20MTS. Need custom packaging or mixed containers? Just ask. We also provide free samples for pre-order testing and qualification.
Responsive Support:
Our team communicates clearly and quickly. Whether you are a distributor, importer, or plant engineer, we are here to help you find the right solution.
Choose HOOCHEMTEC for reliable PBTCA quality, professional service, and a partnership you can count on.
