Phosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid (PBTC)

Cooling Water Treatment: Inhibits calcium carbonate and phosphate scale in industrial circulating systems.
Industrial Detergents: Acts as a chelating agent in metal cleaners and heavy-duty alkaline cleaning solutions.
Oilfield Operations: Prevents scale formation in reinjection water and processing equipment during extraction.

PBTCA, 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, PBTC 50%.

CAS: 37971-36-1
EC: 253-733-5
Sectors: Water & Wastewater Treatment, Home Care & Industrial Cleaning, Oil, Gas & Energy

Phosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid (PBTC) (CAS 37971-36-1) is a Technical Grade phosphonate chelating agent supplied as a clear, colorless to light yellow liquid used to control scale and corrosion in cooling water and boiler systems and as a chelating agent in industrial cleaning formulations. It exhibits exceptional stability in the presence of oxidizing biocides like chlorine and bromine.

The molecule functions as a potent sequestering agent, outperforming standard phosphonates in controlling calcium carbonate precipitation. It is characterized by its high thermal stability, making it suitable for high-temperature industrial cooling circuits and boiler systems.

This acidic liquid is widely used as a stabilizer for zinc salts and a chelating agent in specialty detergent formulations. It maintains its anti-scaling efficiency even under extreme pH conditions exceeding 14, ensuring long-term system protection.

Typical Properties

Molecular formula	C₇H₁₁O₉P
Molecular weight	270.13 g/mol
Form	clear liquid
Color	Colorless to Light yellow
Melting point	-15 °C
Density	1.25 (50% aq.)
Water solubility	909g/L at 20°C
GHS signal word	Danger · Corrosive, Irritant / harmful
Grades available	Technical Grade

Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.

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