PHOSPHONATES

Phosphonate Acids are effective chelating agents as they bind tightly to di- and trivalent metal ions, which is useful in water softening. In this way, they help in the prevention of formation of insoluble precipitates (scale). The binding of these ligands also suppresses the catalytic properties of metal ions. They are stable under harsh conditions. For these reasons, an important industrial use of phosphonate acid is in cooling waters, desalination systems, and in oil fields to aid in the inhibition of scale formation.