At a glance

Item Detail
Name 1H-Benzotriazole (1,2,3-benzotriazole, BTA)
CAS No. 95-14-7
Formula / MW C₆H₅N₃ / approx. 119.12 g/mol
Appearance White to pale-yellow crystalline powder
Melting point approx. 97–100 °C
Main uses Copper-alloy corrosion inhibitor, UV-stabilizer intermediate, high-purity electronic grade

Material overview

Benzotriazole (BTA) is a heterocyclic compound in which a triazole ring is fused to a benzene ring. It adsorbs and chelates onto metal surfaces, making it the benchmark corrosion inhibitor for copper and copper alloys.

  • Chemistry — nitrogen atoms of the triazole ring coordinate with the copper surface to form a thin protective film.
  • Properties — boiling point approx. 204 °C, density approx. 1.37 g/cm³. Partially soluble in water and alcohols; weakly acidic.
  • Manufacturing — typically produced by diazotization/cyclization of o-phenylenediamine with nitrous acid.
  • Grades — industrial corrosion-inhibitor grade, UV-stabilizer intermediate grade, and high-purity electronic/semiconductor grade, with very large price differences between them.

Applications by industry

  1. Automotive coolants & antifreeze — additive protecting copper and brass parts such as radiators and heater cores; water treatment & corrosion inhibition accounts for about 46% of the market.
  2. Metalworking fluids & circulating water — inhibits corrosion of copper piping and heat exchangers in cutting fluids, cooling loops, and boiler water.
  3. UV-stabilizer intermediate — feedstock for benzotriazole-based UV absorbers used for light stability in plastics, coatings, and automotive paint.
  4. Semiconductors & electronics — copper surface protection in PCB etching and plating; electronic-grade demand is rising with AI infrastructure build-out.

Storage & handling

Typically packed in poly-lined drums with inner PE liners or kraft bags. Light exposure can degrade color, so store sealed away from direct sunlight and moisture, and avoid contact with strong oxidizers. Electronic grades require dedicated clean packaging and quality certificates.

Market outlook

  • Size — from approx. US$460.3 million in 2025 to US$499.9 million in 2026, projected to grow at 8.6% CAGR to about US$1.05 billion by 2035.
  • Segments — water treatment & corrosion inhibition dominated with 46.3% in 2025, but high-purity electronic grades are emerging as the high-margin growth axis on semiconductor/AI expansion.
  • Regions — Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing region at US$195.3 million (2025), followed by North America (US$118.7M) and Europe (US$105.2M).
  • Price direction — commodity corrosion-inhibitor grades face intensifying competition, while semiconductor-grade material is expected to hold its premium on EV/AI demand.
  • Regulation — development of low-persistence, biodegradable derivatives is an industry trend driven by EU and North American regulations.

Note for procurement teams

Grade selection

Grade Purity Recommended use
Industrial corrosion inhibitor 99–99.5% Coolants, antifreeze, metalworking fluids
UV-stabilizer intermediate 99.5–99.9% UV-absorber synthesis feedstock
Electronic / semiconductor ≥ 99.9% PCB & semiconductor processes

COA checklist — purity (HPLC) and melting point, ash and moisture content, heavy metals & ionic impurities (mandatory for electronic grade), color and particle size.

Practical tips — specify the grade clearly when requesting quotations; confusing grades can mean a 10× price difference. For electronic grade, request a separate metal-ion analysis report, and time orders around the season when automotive antifreeze demand peaks.

TKNCO supplies 1H-benzotriazole (BTA, CAS 95-14-7) with lot-by-lot manufacturer COA. For quotations, we reply within 24 business hours.

This brief summarizes the public sources below for general information and does not guarantee contract prices at any given time.

References