Main components and uses of BIT

• Chemical Name: 1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one

• CAS No.: 2634-33-5

• Molecular Formula: C₇H₅NOS

• Appearance: Pale yellow liquid or off-white powder (depending on formulation).

• Solubility:

• Slightly soluble in water (0.1–0.5% at 20°C).

• Highly soluble in organic solvents (e.g., ethanol, propylene glycol).

• Stability:

• Effective pH range: 2–12.

• Thermal stability: Up to 80°C (long-term), short-term tolerance to 120°C.

• Broad-spectrum biocide: Effective against bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and algae.

• Low dosage efficacy: Active at concentrations as low as 5–50 ppm.

• Non-oxidizing: Unlike chlorine or bromine, BIT does not corrode metals or degrade polymers.

• Compatibility: Stable in formulations with surfactants, salts, and most organic compounds.

• Cooling water systems: Controls microbial growth (biofilms, Legionella).

• Paper mill process water: Prevents slime formation.

• RO membranes: Protects against biofouling.

• In-can preservative: Extends shelf life of water-based paints (e.g., latex, acrylics).

• Dry-film protection: Inhibits mold/mildew on painted surfaces.

• Shampoos, liquid soaps: Prevents bacterial contamination.

• Wet wipes, detergents: Ensures product stability.

• Latex emulsions: Prevents spoilage during storage.

• PVC, polyurethanes: Protects against fungal degradation.

• Drilling fluids: Controls sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) to prevent corrosion.

• Human Health:

• Skin/eye irritant (use PPE: gloves, goggles).

• Not classified as a carcinogen (unlike formaldehyde).

• Environmental:

• EC50 (Daphnia): ~1–10 mg/L (moderately toxic to aquatic organisms).

• Follow local regulations for discharge (e.g., EU REACH, US EPA).

• Storage: Keep in sealed containers, away from strong acids/bases.

• Water treatment: 10–100 ppm (depending on microbial load).

• Paints: 0.05–0.2% of total formulation weight.

• Personal care: 0.01–0.05% (rinse-off products).

BIT is a versatile, non-oxidizing biocide widely used for microbial control in:
✅ Water treatment (cooling towers, RO systems).
✅ Paints & coatings (in-can and dry-film preservation).
✅ Consumer products (shampoos, detergents).
✅ Industrial fluids (adhesives, oilfield fluids).

Its broad-spectrum efficacy, pH stability, and lower toxicity make it a preferred choice over formaldehyde or CMIT/MIT blends. Always optimize dosage based on application-specific testing.