Amino tris(methylene phosphonic acid)
[CAS# 6419-19-8]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Organic phosphine compound
• Name: Amino tris(methylene phosphonic acid)
• Synonyms: Aminotris(methanephosphonic acid); Nitrilotrimethanephosphonic acid; Tris(phosphonomethyl)amine; ATMP; Dequest 2000
• Molecular Formula: C₃H₁₂NO₉P₃
• Molecular Weight: 299.05
• CAS Registry Number: 6419-19-8
• EC Number: 229-146-5
• SMILES: C(N(CP(=O)(O)O)CP(=O)(O)O)P(=O)(O)O

Properties

• Density: 1.28 (50% aq.)
• Melting point: 210-215 °C (201 mmHg, decomp.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05;GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H290-H315-H319
• Safety Statements: P234-P264-P264+P265-P280-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P390-P406

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Substances or mixtures corrosive to metals	Met. Corr.	1	H290
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1C	H314
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1B	H314
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1A	H314
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	5	H303
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317

Discovery and Applications

Aminotri(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP) was first synthesized in the mid-20th century and recognized for its chelating properties. Chemically, it is an organic phosphonic acid with the molecular formula N(CH2PO3H2)3. This structure gives ATMP a strong chelating ability, allowing it to bind to metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, thereby preventing scaling and corrosion.

The main application of ATMP is in water treatment processes. It is widely used as an antiscalant and corrosion inhibitor in industrial water systems, including boilers, cooling towers, and reverse osmosis systems. ATMP effectively sequesters metal ions, preventing the formation of scale and deposits that can reduce heat transfer efficiency and damage equipment. Its stability over a wide range of temperatures and pH values ??makes it particularly suitable for challenging industrial environments.

ATMP is an essential ingredient in a variety of industrial and household cleaning products. Its sequestering ability can improve water softening and prevent the precipitation of mineral salts, thereby improving the performance of detergents and cleaners. This ensures cleaner surfaces, minimizes streaking, and extends the life of cleaning equipment.

In personal care products, ATMP can be used as a stabilizer and isolating agent. It helps maintain formulation clarity and stability by controlling metal ion levels and preventing undesirable interactions between ingredients. ATMP is commonly found in shampoo, conditioner, bath products, and skin care formulations, helping to improve product efficacy and consumer satisfaction.

In the oil and gas industry, ATMP plays an important role in mitigating scaling and corrosion in wells and pipelines. Its application helps maintain operational efficiency and prevents scaling that leads to costly downtime and repairs, thereby extending the life of equipment.

ATMP is biodegradable and environmentally friendly when used at recommended concentrations. Its widespread adoption in water treatment and cleaning applications supports sustainable practices that reduce water consumption, minimize chemical waste, and optimize energy efficiency in industrial processes.

ATMP is safe when used in regulated quantities in consumer and industrial applications. Manufacturers are subject to strict guidelines to ensure product safety and effectiveness, addressing issues related to human health and environmental impacts.

Ongoing research focuses on improving the performance and sustainability of ATMP through advanced formulation and production methods. Innovations in green chemistry aim to increase their biodegradability and reduce their environmental footprint, supporting the transition to environmentally friendly alternatives for water treatment and industrial processes.

References

2024. Synthesis of P(O)CH2N-substituted bis- and tris-phosphorus-containing amines. Russian Chemical Bulletin, 73(10).
DOI: 10.1007/s11172-024-4415-3

2023. Impact of the Chelate Complex of Nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic Acid) with Copper on the Corrosion-Electrochemical Behavior of Carbon Steel in an Aqueous Medium. Russian Journal of Applied Chemistry, 96(2).
DOI: 10.1134/s1070427223020089

2020. Batch Studies of Phosphonate and Phosphate Adsorption on Granular Ferric Hydroxide (GFH) with Membrane Concentrate and Its Synthetic Replicas. Molecules, 25(21).
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215202