Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid

Product Details

CasNo： 60-00-4

MF： C10H16N2O8

Appearance： powder

Delivery Time： 15 days

Packing： 25kg/bag

Purity： 99%

1. Basic Information

• English Name: Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid; EDTA
• Chinese Name: 乙二胺四乙酸；四乙酸二氨基乙烯；托立龙
• CAS Number: 60-00-4
• Chemical Structure: C10​H16​N2​O8​ (Structural formula: (HOOCCH2​)2​NCH2​CH2​N(CH2​COOH)2​; 6 coordinating atoms (2 N, 4 O) in the molecule form octahedral chelates with metal ions)
• Molecular Formula: C10​H16​N2​O8​
• Average Molecular Weight: 292.24 g/mol
• Common Synonyms: EDTA free acid; Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; Titriplex III

2. Physical and Chemical Properties

3. Key Performance Characteristics

1. High-Efficiency Chelation, Broad-Spectrum Metal Ion Complexation
   EDTA’s molecular structure enables it to form 1:1 stable chelates with almost all metal cations (except alkali metals) via "amino-carboxyl" synergistic action. These chelates are water-soluble and do not precipitate. Examples of applications include:

• Water Softening: Binds with Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ to prevent scale formation (suitable for boiler water treatment and laundry detergent formulations).
• Metal Ion Removal: Combines with Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ to inhibit catalytic oxidation (e.g., preventing food browning or cosmetic discoloration).
• Corrosion and Rust Prevention: Binds with Fe²⁺ on metal surfaces to inhibit electrochemical corrosion (suitable for metal cleaners and electroplating processes).
  Its chelating efficiency is 3–5 times higher than traditional chelating agents (e.g., sodium citrate, potassium tartrate) at the same dosage.

1. Enhanced Formulation Stability, Extended Product Shelf Life
   In food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, EDTA inhibits the following issues by chelating metal ions:

• Food Industry: Prevents Fe³⁺-catalyzed vitamin C oxidation and Cu²⁺-induced fat rancidity, extending the shelf life of fruit juices, dairy products, and canned foods.
• Cosmetic Industry: Avoids Fe²⁺/Mn²⁺-caused discoloration or odor in shampoos and skincare products; stabilizes preservatives (e.g., phenoxyethanol) and active ingredients (e.g., vitamin E).
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Serves as a pharmaceutical excipient to chelate metal impurities in injections, preventing drug degradation (e.g., vitamin B12 injections, antibiotic formulations).

1. Strong Compatibility, Adaptable to Multi-Scenario Processes
   In solid form, EDTA has no incompatibility with most organics and inorganics (e.g., salts, surfactants, preservatives). Its sodium salts (e.g., EDTA-2Na) coexist stably with acids, bases, oxidizers, and reducers in aqueous solutions without impairing the function of other components. For example:

• Compounded with surfactants (e.g., SLES) in laundry detergents, it does not reduce cleaning power but enhances stain removal (preventing metal ions from binding to dirt).
• Mixed with metal salts (e.g., copper sulfate) in electroplating baths, it stabilizes metal ion concentrations and improves coating uniformity.

1. Safety and Compliance, Suitable for Multi-Field Applications
   Food-grade EDTA complies with standards such as GB 1886.235-2021 (China), FDA 21 CFR §182.60 (US), and EU No 1129/2011 (EU). It is permitted for use as a food additive (E number: E385) with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–2.5 mg/kg body weight. Industrial-grade EDTA has moderate biodegradability (28-day degradation rate: 40%–60%, requiring biosynergists) and meets industrial wastewater discharge standards, making it environmentally friendly.

4. Main Application Fields

1. Industrial Sector (Core Scenario)

2. Food Industry

• Food Additive: Added at 0.005%–0.05% to fruit juices, carbonated drinks, canned foods, and dairy products to prevent oxidation, deterioration, and flavor degradation caused by metal ions. In pickles and preserved foods, it stabilizes color and avoids browning.
• Food Processing Aid: Used in sucrose refining to remove Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ from sugar juice, improving sucrose purity; in soybean product processing, it prevents metal ions from affecting protein gelation.

3. Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Sectors

• Cosmetics: Added at 0.05%–0.2% to shampoos and body washes to chelate Ca²⁺ in hard water, preventing soap scum formation with surfactants and enhancing foam stability. In skincare products, 0.01%–0.1% EDTA stabilizes active ingredients (e.g., vitamin C, retinol) against oxidative failure.
• Pharmaceuticals: Serves as a pharmaceutical excipient (in injections, oral liquids) at 0.001%–0.01% to chelate metal impurities in medicinal solutions, ensuring drug stability. In dental materials, it removes plaque by chelating Ca²⁺ on tooth surfaces.

4. Other Fields

• Agriculture: Used as a synergist in trace element fertilizers (0.1%–0.3% dosage) to chelate trace elements (Fe, Zn, Mn), improving plant absorption efficiency and preventing nutrient deficiency diseases (e.g., iron chlorosis).
• Environmental Protection: Applied in heavy metal wastewater treatment to form stable chelates with Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Hg²⁺, reducing wastewater toxicity for subsequent treatment (e.g., precipitation, adsorption).

5. Safety & Usage Guidelines

1. Usage & Handling

• Dissolution Method: Pure EDTA acid has poor water solubility. It is recommended to first mix it with an equimolar amount of NaOH or KOH (heated to 50–60°C) to form EDTA sodium salts, then dissolve in water to improve solubility. Avoid direct addition of EDTA acid powder to cold water to prevent caking.
• Dosage Control: Adjust dosage based on the target metal ion concentration (theoretical dosage: 1g EDTA can chelate 0.11g Ca²⁺, 0.09g Mg²⁺, or 0.08g Fe³⁺). Excessive addition may cause cost waste or bind to beneficial metal ions (e.g., Zn²⁺) in the formulation.
• Process Adaptability: EDTA may hydrolyze slowly in high-temperature (>100°C) or strongly alkaline (pH>12) processes. Shorten high-temperature exposure time or select more stable EDTA derivatives (e.g., EDTA-4Na).

2. Safety Protection

• Skin Contact: EDTA acid powder has slight skin irritation. Wear nitrile gloves during handling; rinse with water if contact occurs (no corrosive effects).
• Eye Contact: Powder or high-concentration solutions may cause discomfort if they enter the eyes. Immediately rinse with plenty of normal saline for 15 minutes; seek medical attention if necessary.
• Oral Toxicity: Acute oral LD₅₀ (rat) >2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity). Food-grade EDTA is safe for consumption, but industrial-grade EDTA is prohibited for oral intake. Induce vomiting and seek medical help if ingested accidentally.

3. Environmental & Regulatory Compliance

• Biodegradability: EDTA degrades slowly under the action of specific microorganisms. Direct discharge may have slight impacts on aquatic organisms; discharge through sewage treatment plants is recommended (activated sludge process can increase degradation rate to over 80%).
• Regulatory Compliance: Industrial-grade EDTA must meet standards such as GB/T 1401-2019 (China) and ANSI/AWWA B501 (US). Food-grade EDTA must comply with national food additive regulations to avoid off-label or excessive use.

6. Packaging & Storage

1. Packaging Specifications

• Industrial Grade: 25 kg/bag (inner polyethylene film bag, outer kraft paper bag or polypropylene woven bag); 500 kg/bulk bag (suitable for bulk transportation), moisture-proof and tear-resistant.
• Food Grade/Pharmaceutical Grade: 25 kg/bag (inner sterile polyethylene bag, outer aluminum-plastic composite bag), compliant with GMP standards to prevent contamination; small packages (1 kg/bottle, 5 kg/drum) for laboratory or small-batch production.

2. Storage Conditions

• Storage Environment: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse (temperature: 5–30°C, relative humidity: <70%); avoid direct sunlight and rain to prevent moisture absorption and caking. Keep away from strong oxidizers and strong acids (e.g., concentrated hydrochloric acid, nitric acid) to avoid chemical reactions.
• Moisture-Proof and Sealing: Seal immediately after opening; transfer remaining powder to an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption (which impairs solubility). If caking is observed, crush gently—performance remains unaffected.
• Shelf Life: Unopened solid EDTA has a shelf life of 36 months (food grade) or 24 months (industrial grade). Aqueous solutions (e.g., EDTA-2Na solution) should be prepared and used immediately, with a maximum storage period of 7 days (add preservatives to prevent microbial growth).