Where is PBTC mainly used?

PBTC is mainly used as a scale and corrosion inhibitor in circulating cooling water, boiler water, and industrial water treatment formulations. It is also selected for cleaning and scale-control applications in industrial equipment.

What form and specifications should be checked for PBTC?

Commercial PBTC is commonly supplied as a colorless to light yellow aqueous solution with around 50% active acid content. Check the actual active content, density of about 1.25-1.30 g/cm3, and the acidic pH of a 1% solution, because these values depend on the selected liquid grade.

Why is PBTC suitable for high-hardness water systems?

PBTC has high calcium tolerance and can help control calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate scale under high-hardness conditions. It is often used together with zinc salts and copolymers in formulated treatment programs.

How does PBTC compare with HEDP, ATMP, and HPAA?

PBTC, HEDP, ATMP, and HPAA are all organophosphonate water-treatment chemicals, but they have different structures and performance profiles. PBTC is a low-phosphorus product combining phosphonic and carboxylic acid groups, so dosing and formulation should be based on the actual active acid content.

2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid (PBTC) CAS 37971-36-1

PBTC (2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid) is a low-phosphorus organophosphonic acid commonly used in industrial water treatment formulations. It functions primarily as a scale inhibitor and corrosion inhibitor, with good performance in systems operating under high hardness, high alkalinity, and elevated temperature conditions. HEDP Diphosphonic Acid is another phosphonate scale inhibitor used in water-treatment formulations.

It is widely applied in circulating cooling water systems, boiler water treatment, and industrial cleaning formulations where control of calcium carbonate and other inorganic scale is required. PBTC is typically supplied as an aqueous solution for ease of handling and formulation. Standard packaging, bulk supply capability, and supporting documents such as COA, TDS, and SDS are available for industrial procurement.

CAS: 37971-36-1
Synonyms: PBTC；2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid
Einecs: 253-733-5
Molecular Formula: C7H11O9P
Grade: Industrial grade
Package: Typically supplied in standard liquid chemical packaging such as drums or IBC containers; packaging can be arranged according to order volume

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Product Description

1 Physicochemical Properties

2 Typical Applications

3 Packaging

4 Storage

Physicochemical Properties

Appearance	Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid
Odor	Mild characteristic odor
pH (1% solution)	Typically acidic
Solubility	Completely soluble in water
Density	Typically around 1.2–1.3 g/cm³ (depending on concentration)
Active Content	Commonly supplied as aqueous solution
Thermal Stability	Good stability under elevated temperature conditions
Calcium Tolerance	High tolerance to calcium ions

Typical Applications

Scale inhibitor in circulating cooling water systems
Corrosion and scale control in boiler water treatment
Component in industrial water treatment formulations
Used in cleaning formulations for scale control in industrial equipment

For related phosphonate water-treatment pages, review HEDP, HPAA, and ATMP.

Packaging

PBTC is supplied as a liquid product and is typically packed in sealed plastic drums or intermediate bulk containers (IBC) suitable for industrial chemical transport.

Packaging is designed to maintain product stability and prevent contamination during storage and transportation. Bulk packaging arrangements can be provided according to order volume and logistics requirements.

Storage

Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination.

Avoid prolonged exposure to air and maintain proper handling conditions to ensure consistent product performance.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is 2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-Tricarboxylic Acid PBTC CAS 37971-36-1?

A: PBTC is a low-phosphorus organophosphonic acid identified by CAS 37971-36-1, EC 253-733-5, and molecular formula C7H11O9P. It contains both phosphonic acid and carboxylic acid groups, which give it scale-inhibition, chelation, and dispersion behavior in water treatment.
Q:
Where is PBTC mainly used?

A: PBTC is mainly used as a scale and corrosion inhibitor in circulating cooling water, boiler water, and industrial water treatment formulations. It is also selected for cleaning and scale-control applications in industrial equipment.
Q:
What form and specifications should be checked for PBTC?

A: Commercial PBTC is commonly supplied as a colorless to light yellow aqueous solution with around 50% active acid content. Check the actual active content, density of about 1.25-1.30 g/cm3, and the acidic pH of a 1% solution, because these values depend on the selected liquid grade.
Q:
Why is PBTC suitable for high-hardness water systems?

A: PBTC has high calcium tolerance and can help control calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate scale under high-hardness conditions. It is often used together with zinc salts and copolymers in formulated treatment programs.
Q:
How does PBTC compare with HEDP, ATMP, and HPAA?

A: PBTC, HEDP, ATMP, and HPAA are all organophosphonate water-treatment chemicals, but they have different structures and performance profiles. PBTC is a low-phosphorus product combining phosphonic and carboxylic acid groups, so dosing and formulation should be based on the actual active acid content.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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