EDTA

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)

Chemical Formula: C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₈
CAS Number: 60-00-4
Appearance: White crystalline powder.

Key Features

• Strong chelating agent that binds metal ions (e.g., Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺).

• Highly soluble in water and alkaline solutions.

• Stable under normal conditions but decomposes at high temperatures.

• Non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

• Widely used in industrial, medical, and household applications.

Applications

1. Water Treatment:

• Used to sequester metal ions in water, preventing scale formation and corrosion.

• Acts as a stabilizer in boiler water and cooling systems.

2. Food Industry:

• Used as a preservative to prevent oxidation and discoloration in canned foods and beverages.

• Acts as a stabilizer in dairy products and sauces.

3. Pharmaceuticals:

• Used in chelation therapy to treat heavy metal poisoning (e.g., lead, mercury).

• Acts as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes.

4. Cosmetics:

• Used as a stabilizer and preservative in creams, lotions, and shampoos.

• Prevents metal-catalyzed degradation of cosmetic ingredients.

5. Industrial Applications:

• Used in textile dyeing to improve color fastness.

• Acts as a cleaning agent in metal surface treatment and electroplating.

Safety and Handling

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from moisture and incompatible materials.

• Safety: Wear protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, goggles) during handling to avoid inhalation and direct contact with skin and eyes.

• Transport: Transport in accordance with non-hazardous chemical transportation regulations.