ATMP or aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) is a phosphonic acid with chemical formula N(CH2PO3H2)3. It has chelating properties. It can be synthesized from the Mannich-type reaction of ammonia, formaldehyde, and phosphorous acid, in a manner similar to the Kabachnik–Fields reaction. Properties ATMP has better antiscale performance than that of polyphosphate through its excellent chelating ability, low threshold inhibition and lattice distortion process. It can prevent scale formation in water systems. ATMP is the phosphonate analog of nitrilotriacetic acid. Applications Detergents and cleaning agents Water treatment Scaling inhibition Chelation References Phosphonic acids Chelating agents