Speciation and Chemical Reactions of Phosphonate Chelating Agents in Aqueous Media

Organic chemicals possessing phosphonate functional groups (RPO_3^(2-)) are being used in a growing number of applications. Through a series of examples, the speciation and chemical reactions of phosphonates in aqueous solutions and (hydr)oxide mineral suspensions are systematically explored. Concepts are introduced that are useful for assessing the consequences of intentional or inadvertent release into environmental media. Such concepts should aid the development of more environmentally benign synthetic organic chemicals.