| Structure |  |
|---|---|
| Formula |
C10H16N2O8 |
| CAS No. | 60-00-4 |
| EC No. | 200-449-4 |
| Synonyms | Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; (Ethylenedinitrilo)tetraacetic acid; Edetic acid; EDTA; Ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid |
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is mainly used as a chelating agent, binding metal ions to prevent reactions that could degrade products. It's widely applied in water treatment to soften hard water, in cosmetics to stabilize formulations, in food to preserve color and flavor, and in pharmaceuticals to stabilize drugs and treat heavy metal poisoning.
Applications:
Chelating Agent: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is primarily used as a chelating agent in various industries. It binds to metal ions, forming stable, water-soluble complexes. This property is especially useful in products that need to sequester or neutralize metal ions to prevent undesirable reactions, such as in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial processes.
Water Treatment: EDTA is widely used in water treatment processes to remove metal ions from hard water. By chelating calcium and magnesium ions, EDTA helps soften water, improving the efficiency of soaps and detergents. It also prevents the formation of scale and deposits in boilers and cooling systems.
Cosmetics and Personal Care: In cosmetics, EDTA is used to enhance the stability and effectiveness of formulations. By binding metal ions that can cause instability or degradation, EDTA helps maintain the integrity of products such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. It also improves the performance of preservatives, enhancing product shelf life.
Food Industry: EDTA is used as a food additive (labeled as E385) to preserve color, texture, and flavor by chelating metal ions that could lead to oxidation or spoilage. It is commonly found in canned vegetables, dressings, and soft drinks to extend shelf life and maintain quality.
Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, EDTA is used in formulations to stabilize drugs, particularly those sensitive to metal ion-induced oxidation. It is also used in chelation therapy to treat heavy metal poisoning, where it helps bind and remove toxic metals like lead and mercury from the body.
Shelf Life:
48 Months