Phosphopolycarboxylic acid is a new type of water treatment agent with excellent inhibiting corrosion and scale performance. Its structure is introduced . From the relationship between structure and performances of phospho-polycarboxylic acid, the application of such copolymer as water treatment agent is described in detail. The effects of synthesis conditions on perfomances of phosphopolycarboxylic acid are examined.The status of development and application worldwide are reviewed and some suggestions for f...