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.

The chemical and physical properties of ATMP are:

• Its molecular weight is 299.05 g/mol.
• Melting point 200 °C (disintegrates).
• It has no boiling point.
• Its density is 1.33 g/cm3 (20 °C).
• Its solubility in water is 61 g/100 mL.
• pKa value is 10.5.

The production method of ATMP is as follows:

• Mannich type reaction method: This is the most common production method of ATMP. ATMP is obtained by a Mannich-type reaction between ammonia, formaldehyde and phosphoric acid. This reaction is similar to the Kabachnik-Fields reaction.

Use cases of ATMP include:

• Detergents and cleaning agents: ATMP chelates metal ions in detergents and cleaning agents, reducing hardness and preventing limescale stains.
• Water treatment: ATMP is used as a scale inhibitor and corrosion inhibitor in industrial water treatment systems. It is particularly suitable for cooling water systems and oil refineries with high hardness, alkali and pH values.
• Metalworking: ATMP is used in metalworking for processes such as tinning, soldering and galvanizing. ATMP removes the oxide layer from metal surfaces and improves metal adhesion.
• Fertilizer production: ATMP is also used in fertilizer production. ATMP is a fertilizer that provides nitrogen to plants. It is especially suitable for plants that grow under water, such as rice.