RZ-O39,RZ-W42——New-generation metal passivators: Tolyltriazole and its derivatives

Metal deactivators (also known as metal Passivators) are additives widely used in fuel oil and lubricating oil applications. Initially introduced in gasoline, their core function is to reduce metal activity, preventing active metals from interfering with catalysts during fuel production, storage, and other processes. In the fuel oil sector, they are referred to as passivators; in the lubricating oil sector, their primary role is to reduce the catalytic activity of metals, especially copper—which significantly accelerates oil oxidation. By inhibiting copper activity, they effectively slow down the oxidation rate of base oils, enhance the antioxidant performance of finished lubricants, and extend oil service life.

Building upon the classic metal deactivators benzotriazole (BTZ, CAS: 95-14-7) and its derivative T551 (CAS: 15497-45-7), Bais Chemical has upgraded our products and launched a second-generation metal deactivators centered on methylbenzotriazole and its derivatives, which offers superior copper corrosion resistance and requires lower addition levels.

Benzotriazole (BTZ, CAS: 95-14-7) and its derivative T551 (CAS: 15497-45-7) are classic metal deactivators. By introducing a specific alkyl chain into the BTZ molecule, T551 significantly improves oil solubility and corrosion inhibition performance, and is widely used in industrial oils such as turbine oils, hydraulic oils, bearing circulation oils, and transformer oils. T551 is alkaline and exhibits good compatibility with phenolic antioxidants and amine-type additives. However, when used in combination with acidic additives such as ZDDP or MoDTC, precipitation may occur, limiting its compatibility. Furthermore, with advances in refining processes, base oils are becoming increasingly highly refined, and the relatively short carbon chain of T551 poses challenges to its solubility.

To this end, Bais Chemical has broken through overseas technical barriers based on the existing benzotriazole and its derivative systems, and independently developed Tolyltriazole (TTA, CAS: 29385-43-1) as well as its derivative metal deactivators: RZ-O39 (CAS: 80584-90-3) and RZ-W42 (CAS: 88477-37-6).

RZ-O39 (CAS: 80584-90-3) is an oil-soluble metal deactivators, a diisooctylamine derivative of TTA. RZ-W42 (CAS: 88477-37-6) is a water-based metal deactivators derived from TTA with diethanolamine, which is compatible with a wide range of formulations and diverse application scenarios.

TTA (CAS: 29385-43-1) introduces a methyl group onto the benzene ring of benzotriazole, significantly enhancing passivation performance and compatibility. First, it exhibits stronger copper corrosion inhibition and deactivation performance, allowing for further reduced addition levels. Second, the methyl group improves the oil solubility of TTA derivatives; by selecting appropriate amine groups, the TBN is greatly reduced, solubility is significantly enhanced, and compatibility with ZDDP or MoDTC is achieved, expanding applications to engine oils. In engine oils, antioxidants (phenolic, amine) and metal deactivators work synergistically as a trio. Finally, TTA derivatives offer superior high-temperature stability and antioxidant capacity, maintaining stable performance under high-temperature conditions, making them especially suitable for demanding applications such as engine oils.

In summary, RZ-W42, RZ-O39 metal deactivators offer lower addition levels, stronger copper corrosion resistance, better compatibility, and high-temperature stability, presenting broad application prospects and practical value in industrial production. Bais Chemical Technology possesses in-house R&D, production, and quality control teams, providing end-to-end technical support from manufacturing to customer use. Our products break foreign monopolies, fill domestic gaps, and achieve world‑class quality. Our TTA derivative metal deactivators have been successfully trialed by domestic and overseas customers, receiving unanimous praise. They are your reliable choice for consistent performance.