PHOSPHONOBUTANETRICARBOXYLIC ACID- ▸ Water treatment: scale and corrosion inhibitor for cooling water
- ▸ Chelation: chelating and sequestering agent for metal ions
- ▸ Industrial cleaning: additive for cleaning and bleaching formulations
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →
Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.
Phosphonobutane Tricarboxylic Acid (CAS 37971-36-1), commonly abbreviated PBTC, is an organophosphorus chelating acid supplied as an aqueous solution. It is used as a scale and corrosion inhibitor in cooling-water systems and as a chelating agent in industrial cleaning and bleaching formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PBTC in water treatment?
Phosphonobutane tricarboxylic acid (PBTC, CAS 37971-36-1) is an organophosphorus chelating acid supplied as an aqueous solution. In water treatment it is used as a scale and corrosion inhibitor in cooling-water systems and as a chelating/sequestering agent for metal ions.
How does PBTC work?
PBTC functions by sequestering and chelating scale-forming metal ions and by interfering with crystal growth, which inhibits scale deposition and supports corrosion control in cooling-water and cleaning systems. It is valued for stability under oxidizing and higher-temperature conditions in those duties.
What is the chemical name for PBTC?
PBTC stands for 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, CAS 37971-36-1, formula C7H11O9P. It is an organophosphorus acid in the phosphonate chelant family, supplied as an aqueous solution.
What is PBTC used for besides cooling water?
Beyond scale and corrosion inhibition in cooling water, PBTC is used as a chelating and sequestering agent for metal ions and as an additive in industrial cleaning and bleaching formulations. It is classified under HS code 2931.49 and has no assigned UN number in this listing.
What is the cost of bulk PBTC?
Pricing depends on the active concentration, volume, and packaging. Request a bulk quote with your target concentration and quantity rather than relying on a list price, and we will return current pricing with the CoA and SDS.