ATMP (Amino Trimethylene Phosphonic Acid) is an organic phosphonic acid with the formula N(CH2PO3H2)3. This white crystalline powder is easily soluble in water and has excellent chelating, low threshold inhibition and crystal structure disruption properties. In this way, it prevents scale formation in water systems and prevents corrosion on metal surfaces.
Properties of ATMP:
- Molecular Weight: 299.05 g/mol
- Melting Point: 200 °C (decomposes)
- Boiling Point: Not applicable
- Density: 1.33 g/cm³ (at 20 °C)
- Solubility: 61 g/100 mL in water
- pKa Value: 10.5
Production
- ATMP is commonly produced through the Mannich-type reaction. This reaction occurs between ammonia, formaldehyde, and phosphoric acid, resulting in ATMP. The process is similar to the Kabachnik–Fields reaction.
Applications
- Detergents and Cleaning Agents: ATMP chelates metal ions, reducing water hardness and preventing scale formation in cleaning products.
- Water Treatment: ATMP is used as a scale inhibitor and corrosion preventer in industrial water treatment systems, especially in cooling water systems with high hardness, alkalinity, and pH levels, as well as in petroleum refineries.
- Metal Processing: ATMP is utilized in tinning, soldering, and galvanizing. It removes oxide layers from metal surfaces, improving adhesion.
- Fertilizer Production: ATMP is used as a nitrogen source in fertilizers, particularly beneficial for crops grown in water-rich environments, such as rice.