Hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid

Hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid (CAS 23783-26-8), commonly specified as HPAA, is an organophosphonic acid used in water treatment and industrial formulations as a chelating and scale-inhibiting agent.

Where is Hydroxyphosphonoacetic acid used?

• Cooling water and boiler systems: controls calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate
• High-hardness water circuits: manages calcium phosphate scale at low dosage
• Corrosion inhibitor blends: metal chelation and threshold inhibition
• Coatings and adhesives: dispersant and adhesion promoter for pigment stability and substrate bonding on metal surfaces
• Personal care: chelating preservative booster that sequesters trace metals
• It binds metal ions and disrupts mineral crystal growth, preventing scale deposition and corrosion in process water systems.

Good to know: Food-contact and personal care applications typically require documentation confirming purity and absence of heavy metal contaminants; reputable suppliers provide these alongside standard TDS and COA documents.

Commercial specifications

• Aqueous solution, 50% active content most commonly traded