Hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid

Hydroxyphosphonoacetic Acid (CAS No: 23783-26-8) Supplier in Europe

Hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid (HPAA) is an effective organic phosphorus compound used prominently in water treatment processes.

It functions primarily as a scale inhibitor, preventing the formation of deposits that can clog systems and reduce efficiency.

This makes HPAA invaluable for industries reliant on large-scale water usage.

Industries such as cooling systems, boilers, and desalination plants benefit greatly from the compound’s properties.

Its ability to operate effectively in both low and high-pressure environments ensures versatility and efficiency in various applications.

The ecological impact of HPAA is also noteworthy.

Unlike some other chemical treatments, HPAA is more biodegradable, offering a more environmentally friendly option for treating water.

This characteristic enhances its appeal for companies looking to improve their sustainability practices.

Chemical Properties

Hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid presents a unique set of chemical properties.

These include a specific molecular structure, distinct solubility characteristics, and notable reactivity patterns.

Molecular Structure

Hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid (HPA) has the chemical formula C2H5O6P. The molecule comprises a carboxylic group, a hydroxyl group, and a phosphonic acid group.

It features a phosphonic acid (–PO(OH)₂) group directly bonded to the alpha carbon of the carboxyl group. This configuration results in a highly polar and reactive molecule.

Additionally, HPA is known for its ability to form stable complexes with metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Solubility

Hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid is highly soluble in water.

This high solubility is due to its polar nature and the presence of multiple hydroxyl groups.

When dissolved, HPA dissociates to release hydrogen ions, contributing to its acidic properties.

In summary:

• Water Solubility: High
• Organic Solvents: Low to moderate solubility in solvents like ethanol and methanol

These solubility characteristics make it useful in aqueous solutions, especially in industrial and agricultural applications.

Reactivity

Hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid is characterized by its strong chelating ability.

It readily forms complexes with various metal ions. Such chelation inhibits scale formation in water systems.

In alkaline conditions, HPA tends to react with bases, resulting in the formation of corresponding salts, such as calcium HPA.

Additionally, it is stable under normal conditions but may decompose when exposed to strong oxidizing agents or elevated temperatures.

Synthesis and Production

The synthesis of Hydroxyphosphonoacetic Acid (HPAA) involves several chemical reactions.

HPAA is typically produced via the reaction of phosphorus acid with glyoxylic acid.

The reaction is carried out in an aqueous medium and often requires a catalyst to increase reaction efficiency.

Key Reagents

• Phosphorous acid ((HPO3H))
• Glyoxylic acid ((HOCH2CO2H))

Conditions

• Temperature: Moderate, generally around 60-80°C
• Catalysts: Often a base like sodium hydroxide to neutralize the solution

Steps

1. Mixing: Phosphorous acid and glyoxylic acid are combined in water.
2. Heating: The mixture is gradually heated to the desired temperature range.
3. Catalysis: A catalyst is added to the solution to expedite the reaction.
4. Isolation: The resulting hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid is isolated by crystallization or other separation methods.

Reaction Time

The entire process can take several hours, depending on the specific conditions and catalyzing agents used.

Yield

The yield can vary but is often high, making this method efficient for industrial purposes.

Purity

Purity is critical for applications, hence additional purification steps – like recrystallization – may be employed if necessary.

This synthesis method ensures the production of high-quality HPAA suitable for various applications in industries.

Industrial Applications

Hydroxyphosphonoacetic Acid is commonly utilized for its effectiveness in water treatment and corrosion inhibition. Below are detailed insights into each specific application.

Water Treatment

Hydroxyphosphonoacetic Acid plays a critical role in water treatment processes.

It is primarily used as a scale inhibitor, which helps prevent the buildup of mineral deposits in water systems.

This is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of cooling towers, boilers, and other industrial water systems.

The acid effectively chelates metal ions, preventing them from precipitating and forming scale. This leads to improved performance and longevity of the water systems.

Additionally, Hydroxyphosphonoacetic Acid is known for its biodegradable properties, making it an environmentally friendly option compared to conventional water treatment chemicals.

Corrosion Inhibition

One of the key applications of Hydroxyphosphonoacetic Acid is its use as a corrosion inhibitor.

In industrial systems, especially those involving metal components, corrosion can be a severe issue, leading to equipment degradation and failure.

This compound is effective in forming a protective film on metal surfaces, which prevents oxidation and corrosion.

Industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, and power generation benefit significantly from using this acid to protect their metallic equipment and infrastructure.

The acid enhances the operational lifespan of equipment, ensuring greater efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.