Benzotriazole

Benzotriazole is a chemical substance that is used as a ligand to form complexes.

Production
Benzotriazole is produced by reaction of o-phenylenediamine, sodium nitrite and acetic acid.

Uses
Benzotriazole is a complexing agent. It is used as corrosion inhibitor in aircraft deicer and anti-icer fluid as well as for silver protection in dishwashing detergents.

Environmental relevance
Benzotriazole is fairly well water-soluble, not readily degradable and has a limited sorption tendency. Hence, it is only partly removed in wastewater treatment plants and a substantial fraction reaches surface water like rivers and lakes.