Tolyltriazole TTA Methyl-1H-Benzotriazole CAS 29385-43-1
- CAS: 29385-43-1
- Synonyms: Methyl-1H-benzotriazole; Tolyltriazole; TTA
- EINECS No.: 249-596-6
- Molecular Formula: C9H9N3
- Grade: Industrial Grade
- Packaging: 25 kg per woven bag
Tree Chem manufactures and supplies Tolyltriazole TTA CAS 29385-43-1, offering high-purity grades suitable for water treatment formulations, metalworking fluids, and industrial additive applications. As a trusted producer, Tree Chem provides stable-performance TTA with reliable solubility and compatibility across multiple chemical systems.
Tolyltriazole effectively forms protective films on copper and copper alloy surfaces, improving corrosion resistance in harsh operational environments. For detailed product data, pricing, or technical support, please contact info@cntreechem.com.
Specification
Basic Information
| Parameter | Value |
| English Name | Tolyltriazole |
| Synonyms | METHYL-1H-BENZOTRIAZOLE; METHYL BENZOTRIAZOLE; 1-H-METHYLBENZOTRIAZOLE; TOLYLTRIAZOLE; 1H-Benzotriazole,4(5)-methyl- |
| CAS No. | 29385-43-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C9H9N3 |
| Molecular Weight | 159.19 |
| EINECS No. | 249-596-6 |
Technical Specification
| Item | Standard |
| Appearance | White or slightly yellow granular solid |
| Active Content / % | ≥99.0 |
| Melting Point / °C | 80.0–86.0 |
| Ash / % | ≤0.1 |
| Moisture / % | ≤0.2 |
Applications
Water Treatment Industry
- Tolyltriazole (TTA) is first and foremost a specialist corrosion inhibitor for copper and copper alloys in industrial water systems such as circulating cooling water, boiler water, oilfield injection water and reverse-osmosis (RO) units. Its benzotriazole ring coordinates strongly with surface copper atoms to form a compact, strongly adherent organic film that isolates the metal from dissolved oxygen, chlorides and other aggressive ions, so even at very low concentrations it can cut copper corrosion by more than an order of magnitude. In modern all-organic cooling-water programs running at high hardness, high pH and high cycles of concentration, TTA is normally blended with organophosphonates and multi-copolymers so that corrosion control and scale inhibition are achieved simultaneously under harsh operating conditions.
- In industrial recirculating cooling systems for chemical plants, fertilizer complexes, refineries, power stations and steelworks, TTA is typically introduced as an alkaline solution or alcohol solution and controlled in the bulk water at about 2–10 mg/L. When copper-alloy equipment is already badly corroded, operators may temporarily increase the dosage to several times the normal level to build a passivating film quickly, before returning to maintenance concentration. In composite formulations with acrylic–acrylate copolymers, sulfonate copolymers, polyepoxysuccinate, HEDP, PBTCA and zinc salts, the TTA fraction is usually in the 0.6–1.0 % range of the active product, yet its effect on copper corrosion is decisive.
- In boiler-water treatment, TTA is introduced to protect copper heat exchangers and condensers in contact with high-temperature, oxygen-bearing water and steam condensate. Used together with polyphosphates or organophosphonates and standard alkalizing agents, it allows a single program to control copper corrosion and calcium scale at the same time. Typical products dose TTA at a few milligrams per liter in the boiler or condensate line, ensuring that copper alloys remain bright and that mixed-metal systems satisfy strict corrosion limits in power and industrial boilers.
- Oilfield injection-water systems are another important water-treatment outlet. Injection water often contains chloride, sulfide and dissolved gases that attack copper-containing components in pumps, valves and surface equipment. TTA is incorporated at 2–10 mg/L into multi-function oilfield treatment packages alongside biocides, scale inhibitors and steel corrosion inhibitors; within these blends it focuses on building a protective film on copper and copper alloys, while other components handle microbial growth and inorganic scale. In RO pretreatment for high-purity or desalination plants, TTA is used more sparingly—typically around 0.5–2 mg/L—in combination with RO-grade antiscalants; correct positioning and low dosage allow TTA to guard copper parts on the feed side without compromising membrane performance.
Metalworking and Metal-Processing Industry
- In metal cutting and grinding fluids, TTA serves as a key corrosion inhibitor and co-lubricating component, especially in fluids intended for copper and multi-metal machining. Water-miscible cutting fluids commonly contain fatty alcohol ethoxylates, mineral or spindle oils, alkanolamines, multi-component corrosion/scale inhibitors and chelating agents; TTA appears as a major component within the inhibitor package, for example at 3–8 parts in a 100-part formulation. In service it adsorbs on freshly generated metal surfaces, limits dissolution of copper and iron during cutting, and contributes to the formation of a lubricious boundary film that reduces friction and improves tool life and surface finish.
- Within metalworking fluids TTA also acts as an antioxidant and stabilizer. By binding trace metal ions and forming coordination layers on metal surfaces, it slows oxidation of base oils and emulsifiers and improves the long-term stability of complex formulations that include alkanolamines, glycols and silicon oils. Synergistic effects appear when TTA is used together with molybdate, carboxylates and other modern additives: the combination yields better corrosion ratings in copper-strip and multi-metal tests than any single component alone, while still meeting environmental and low-odor expectations for “greener” fluids.
- TTA is equally important in rust preventives and rolling oils for copper and copper-alloy strip, tube and profiles. In water-emulsifiable rust preventives it works alongside barium sulfonate, fatty acids, triethanolamine and surfactants to give temporary indoor or outdoor protection; the typical dosage range in such oils is from a few hundredths of a percent up to around 0.3 % of the total formula, depending on the required protection time. In oil-based rust preventives and rolling oils used for electrical copper strip and decorative brass, TTA’s chemisorbed film prevents tarnish and staining, preserves surface gloss and ensures that parts maintain both electrical performance and appearance after rolling, storage and transport.
- As a copper protector in alkaline and neutral metal cleaners, TTA allows aggressive builders and surfactants to remove oils, oxides and polishing compounds without over-etching or discolouring copper and brass. Environmental multi-functional cleaners for stainless steel, aluminum and copper typically incorporate high-purity TTA (≥98–99 %) at levels around 0.05–0.1 %, sometimes together with BTA, so that all common alloys are protected while soils are efficiently removed. In electrolytic machining and electrochemical polishing, TTA is dosed at roughly 0.05–0.2 % into electrolytes to stabilize copper electrodes or workpieces, giving smoother surfaces and more uniform current distribution.
Coatings and Surface-Protection Systems
- In marine antifouling coatings, TTA functions as both a pigment dispersant/stabilizer and a corrosion-protection additive for copper and other metals. Antifouling paints for ship hulls and submerged structures typically rely on cuprous oxide as the main biocidal pigment, and may also contain zinc and aluminum pigments; in such systems TTA, often at around 0.05–0.1 % of the total formulation, helps disperse fine pigments, prevents sedimentation, and simultaneously forms a protective film at the interface with copper alloy parts and metal-rich coatings. By stabilizing particle size and distribution, it improves gloss, color uniformity and long-term antifouling performance in seawater.
- Industrial anti-corrosion coatings use TTA as an additive to strengthen adhesion and corrosion resistance on steel and copper-containing equipment. In epoxy and polyurethane systems for chemical plants, bridges, tanks and shipboard structures, TTA helps create a more robust interphase between coating and substrate: it coordinates with copper in the steel and alloy surfaces while also interacting with resin functional groups, resulting in better adhesion, fewer underfilm blisters and longer coating life. As an ultraviolet absorber, it also contributes to weatherability; in some polyurethane and epoxy formulations its benzotriazole structure participates in UV screening, slowing chalking and gloss loss under outdoor exposure.
- In a variety of special functional coatings—conductive, thermally conductive and high-temperature paints—TTA’s role focuses on protecting metallic fillers and maintaining critical properties over time. In conductive coatings loaded with copper or silver powder, low-level TTA additions (e.g. 0.1–0.5 %) prevent surface oxidation of the conductive pigments, so volume resistivity remains low throughout storage and service. In thermally conductive coatings based on aluminum or graphite, TTA inhibits oxidation of metallic components that would otherwise reduce heat-transfer efficiency. High-temperature coatings also benefit from TTA’s good thermal stability: incorporated into silicone or other heat-resistant resins, it helps preserve both the coating and underlying copper surfaces in hot gas or thermal-cycling environments.
Daily Chemical, Personal-Care and Consumer Products
- In detergents, TTA is employed primarily as a metal-ion chelating and anti-corrosion agent that protects copper-containing parts in washing machines, dishwashers and plumbing while supporting cleaning performance. A typical liquid laundry detergent may contain anionic surfactants such as AES and LAS, thickeners like CMC, chelators such as EDTA and a small dose of TTA (about 0.05–0.1 %). At these levels, TTA complexes metal ions, limits corrosion of copper coils and fittings in appliances and helps maintain the stability of sensitive organic components during storage, all without altering the product’s foaming or detergency profile.
- In personal-care products, TTA is used in very low concentrations as a preservative-like stabilizer, antioxidant aid and metal protector. Shampoos and body washes containing SLS, amphoteric co-surfactants and conditioning polymers may include TTA at around 0.02–0.05 % to inhibit oxidative degradation of fragrances, dyes and surfactants triggered by trace metals leached from equipment or packaging. Its broad antimicrobial contribution also supports the main preservative system, extending shelf life under diverse pH and temperature conditions. In cosmetics such as eye shadow and nail polish, TTA prevents oxidation and color drift of metal-containing pigments like iron oxides and metallic flakes, giving better storage stability and visual consistency.
- Oral-care products like toothpaste and mouthwash also make use of TTA’s dual antibacterial and metal-chelating character. Toothpaste formulas based on calcium carbonate, glycerin, CMC and SLS add TTA at about 0.02–0.05 % to help control microbial growth, stabilize metal-sensitive ingredients and prevent discoloration linked to trace metals. Mouthwashes containing ethanol, humectants and flavors may include extremely low levels of TTA as part of a broader antimicrobial and stabilizing package; its presence supports product clarity and flavour stability while helping protect metallic components in closures or dispensers.
Other Industrial and Emerging Applications
- In petrochemical applications, TTA protects copper and copper-alloy equipment during oilfield production, refining and chemical processing. It appears in oilfield chemical formulations as a corrosion inhibitor for copper components exposed to brines containing H₂S and chloride, and in refinery systems it is added to cooling water and process streams to shield condenser tubes and heat-exchanger plates. In many plants, a single TTA-containing package contributes both to extended equipment life and to improved operational reliability under variable feedstock and process conditions.
- The electronic industry relies heavily on TTA as a protective agent for copper in printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic packaging and cleaning processes. In PCB manufacturing, TTA safeguards copper foil and etched circuitry against oxidation between processing stages, helping maintain solderability and consistent electrical performance. It is also incorporated into fluxes and electronic cleaning solutions so that copper pads and leads do not corrode during soldering or cleaning. In semiconductor and device packaging, small amounts of TTA in encapsulation or coating materials enhance resistance to moisture-induced corrosion at metal interfaces, which is critical for long-term reliability in high-density electronic assemblies.
- In electroplating, TTA is used as a brightener and leveling component in acid copper baths, where trace concentrations—on the order of 0.001–0.005 g/L—have a strong influence on deposit grain size and surface appearance. Working together with other organic additives and chloride ions, it helps produce smooth, bright and finely grained copper deposits with excellent throwing power. Beyond this, TTA functions as a synthetic intermediate in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical fields: its nitrogen-rich heterocycle is introduced into drug and pesticide molecules to adjust activity and selectivity. In agriculture, TTA-based systems are explored as plant-growth regulators, pesticide intermediates and preservatives for agricultural products, while in the automotive sector it has become a standard component of modern engine coolants and antifreeze formulations, typically dosed at 0.2–2 ‰ of the product to protect copper radiators and mixed-metal cooling circuits from corrosion.
Storage & Handling
- Store in tightly sealed containers.
- Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
- Avoid contact with strong oxidizers or acids.
- Ensure materials and equipment remain clean and dry during handling.
- Use grounding protection to avoid static accumulation.
Usage Notice
- Handle with proper protective equipment.
- Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with eyes or skin.
- Ensure good ventilation during handling.
- Follow local chemical safety guidelines and regulations.
- Cooling-water corrosion inhibitor formulation: a fully organic industrial water-treatment product combining 20–30 % acrylic–acrylate copolymer, 12–20 % sulfonate copolymer, 5–10 % polyepoxysuccinate, 0.6–0.9 % benzotriazole-type inhibitor (TTA/BTA), 10–15 % HEDP, 15–25 % PBTCA and 2–4 % zinc salt (balance water) is dosed so that TTA maintains copper protection while the copolymers and phosphonates control scale and corrosion in recirculating cooling-water systems.
- Low-phosphorus cooling-water formulation: a 35 %-solids water-treatment agent containing 15 % multi-polymer (35 % actives), 15 % PBTCA (45 % actives), 5 % polymaleate, 1 % TTA, 5–10 % soluble tungstate and 2 % zinc sulfate with fluorescein as tracer provides copper corrosion inhibition, calcium-scale control and low phosphorus discharge in high-cycle cooling systems.
- Circulating cooling-water dosage guideline: TTA is pre-dissolved in alcohol or alkali and added to circulating cooling water to maintain 2–10 mg/L in normal operation, with temporary shock-dosing at roughly 5–10 times the normal concentration used to rapidly passivate heavily corroded copper-alloy equipment.
- Boiler-water composite inhibitor: a boiler-treatment blend in which TTA is combined with polyphosphate and organophosphonate components doses both to the feedwater so that calcium scale is controlled while copper tubes and condensers are protected from corrosive boiler water.
- Oilfield injection-water formulation: an oilfield chemical package using 2–10 mg/L TTA together with biocides, scale inhibitors and steel corrosion inhibitors protects copper-containing valves, tubing and surface equipment from chloride- and sulfide-induced corrosion in injection-water and produced-water systems.
- RO pretreatment package: a membrane-compatible pretreatment solution containing 0.5–2 mg/L TTA blended with low-fouling RO antiscalants is injected upstream of cartridge filters to protect copper components on the feed side while maintaining membrane flux and salt-rejection performance.
- Metal cutting-fluid formula: an improved water-miscible cutting fluid based on 7–11 parts fatty alcohol ethoxylate, 4–10 parts spindle or “Tago” oil, 3–9 parts alkanolamine, 4–8 parts corrosion/scale inhibitor package, 3–8 parts TTA, 1–5 parts EDTA disodium, 2–7 parts alkenyl succinate, 8–14 parts amino-alcohol, 6–8 parts diethanolamine, 2–4 parts silicone oil defoamer and 1–5 parts glycerin provides lubrication, cooling and copper corrosion protection in multi-metal machining.
- Rust-preventive oil formulation: a heavy-duty rust-preventive oil prepared from 5–10 parts dodecenyl succinate, 50–60 parts barium petroleum sulfonate, 15–30 parts triethanolamine, 150–200 parts base oil, 45–60 parts palmitic acid, 10–20 parts 4-methylbenzotriazole, 30–50 parts sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, 45–60 parts buffer solution and 600–700 parts water forms a persistent film that protects steel and copper-alloy parts against long-term atmospheric corrosion.
- Water-based rust-preventive oil: a water-dilutable rust preventive that incorporates TTA at 0.01–0.3 % of the total formulation, together with sulfonates and amines, provides temporary protection and bright-finish retention for copper and brass parts during storage and transport.
- Metal cleaner formulation: an environmental multi-functional metal cleaner in which ≥98–99 % purity TTA is added at about 0.05–0.1 % as a copper-alloy protector, alongside alkaline builders and surfactants, removes oil and scale while preventing corrosion and discoloration of copper during cleaning.
- Electrolytic machining solution: an electrolytic processing bath that contains 0.05–0.2 % TTA in addition to conductive salts and surfactants protects copper electrodes and workpieces from corrosion and produces smoother surfaces with better dimensional accuracy.
- Marine antifouling paint: a marine antifouling coating formulation containing film-forming resin, cuprous oxide pigment, auxiliary pigments and 0.05–0.1 % TTA uses the benzotriazole derivative both as a dispersant for pigments and as a corrosion inhibitor for copper-alloy components in seawater.
- Industrial anti-corrosion coating: an epoxy or polyurethane anticorrosive paint incorporating 0.1–0.5 % TTA into a resin–pigment–filler matrix improves adhesion to copper-containing substrates and enhances resistance to underfilm corrosion and UV-induced degradation on industrial structures.
- Conductive coating formula: a conductive coating with acrylic resin, high loadings of copper or silver powder and 0.1–0.5 % TTA maintains low electrical resistance by preventing oxidation of conductive metallic fillers throughout storage and use.
- Thermal-conductive coating formula: a thermally conductive coating that combines aluminum or graphite fillers with TTA as a metal protector stabilizes thermal conductivity by limiting oxidation of metallic components in high-temperature service.
- Laundry-liquid formulation: a liquid laundry detergent containing 15–20 % AES, 8–12 % LAS, 1–2 % CMC, 0.5–1.0 % EDTA, 0.05–0.1 % TTA, 0.2–0.5 % fragrance and water to balance uses TTA as a low-dosage additive to protect copper parts in washing machines and to stabilize the formulation.
- Dishwashing-liquid formulation: a dishwashing liquid composed of APG surfactants, fatty-acid sulfonates, water softeners and 0.05–0.1 % TTA cleans dishes while protecting copper components in dishwashers and plumbing from detergent-induced corrosion.
- Shampoo formulation: a shampoo based on 12–18 % sodium lauryl sulfate, 3–5 % cocamidopropyl betaine, conditioning polymers and 0.02–0.05 % TTA uses the benzotriazole derivative as an auxiliary preservative and metal-chelation component to improve product stability.
- Toothpaste formulation: a toothpaste including 40–50 % calcium carbonate, 15–20 % glycerin, 1–2 % CMC-Na, 1–2 % SLS, 0.02–0.05 % TTA and flavours applies TTA as an antibacterial and metal-stabilizing additive to prevent discoloration and maintain shelf life.
- Mouthwash formulation: a mouthwash containing ethanol, glycerin, flavour components and 0.01–0.03 % TTA employs the additive as part of an antimicrobial and metal-control system that supports clarity and long-term stability.
- Acid copper electroplating bath: an acid copper plating bath with 180–220 g/L copper sulfate, 50–70 g/L sulfuric acid, 0.001–0.005 g/L TTA, chloride ions and proprietary brighteners uses TTA as an auxiliary brightener and leveling agent to produce dense, bright and uniform copper deposits.
- Automotive antifreeze formulation: an engine coolant or antifreeze where TTA is dosed at 0.2–2 ‰ of the product composition protects copper radiators and mixed-metal cooling systems from corrosion while the base glycols and additive package provide freeze protection and heat transfer.
Packaging
- 25 kg per composite plastic woven bag
- Packaging can be adjusted according to customer requirements



