EDTA Tetrasodium Salt
EDTA Tetrasodium Salt (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt) is a highly water-soluble chelating agent widely used to bind and sequester metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and heavy metals. It is the fully neutralized, alkaline form of EDTA, typically supplied as a white granular or powder form. This salt exhibits excellent chelating efficiency at neutral to alkaline pH levels, making it a critical additive in numerous industrial, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, and water treatment applications. Its ability to prevent metal-induced degradation and enhance formulation stability makes it invaluable in many sectors.
EDTA Tetrasodium Salt Uses
Primary Uses
- Water Treatment & Industrial Cleaning
- Chelates metal ions in water systems to prevent scale formation, corrosion, and discoloration.
- Used in detergents and cleaning agents to soften water and improve cleaning efficacy by binding calcium and magnesium ions.
- Applied in pulp and paper manufacturing to control metal impurities and enhance process efficiency.
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Commonly included in shampoos, conditioners, creams, lotions, and soaps to stabilize formulations by binding trace metals that can degrade product quality.
- Enhances foam stability, texture, and shelf life in personal care products by softening hard water.
- Prevents discoloration, rancidity, and degradation of fragrances and active ingredients.
- Pharmaceuticals & Medicine
- Utilized as a stabilizer to protect active pharmaceutical ingredients from metal-catalyzed oxidation.
- Employed in injectable solutions and topical formulations to ensure chemical stability.
- Used in chelation therapy formulations for heavy metal detoxification.
- Food Industry
- Functions as a food additive (E386) approved in some regions to preserve color, flavor, and texture by binding metal ions that catalyze oxidation reactions.
- Common in canned vegetables, seafood, and beverages to extend shelf life and maintain product integrity.
- Agriculture & Horticulture
- Applied in micronutrient fertilizers to chelate iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, increasing their bioavailability to plants.
- Helps prevent precipitation of micronutrients in soil and foliar sprays, enhancing nutrient uptake.
Secondary Uses
- Analytical Chemistry
- Used as a standard chelating agent in complexometric titrations for quantitative analysis of metal ions.
- Textile Industry
- Acts as a metal ion scavenger to prevent color fading and fabric damage during dyeing and finishing.
- Photography
Incorporated in photographic processing solutions to stabilize metal ions.
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Tetrasodium 2,2',2'',2'''-(ethane-1,2-diyldinitrilo)tetraacetate
- Common/Trade Name: EDTA Tetrasodium Salt
- CAS Number: 13235-36-4
- HS Code: 2922.49.00
- Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₂N₂Na₄O₈
- Synonyms:
- Tetrasodium EDTA
- EDTA-4Na
- Ethylenediaminetetraacetate tetrasodium salt
- Versene Sodium Salt
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White granular or crystalline powder
- Color & Odor: White; odorless
- pH (1% aqueous solution): Typically 10–11 (alkaline)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water; insoluble in most organic solvents
- Stability: Stable under normal storage; decomposes above 200°C
- Melting Point: Decomposes above 240°C
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; may cause mild irritation on skin or eyes
- Exposure Limits: Not established
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed to prevent moisture uptake
- Container Type: Polyethylene-lined bags, drums, or bulk containers
- Shelf Life: 2–3 years under proper storage
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation and inhalation; use PPE as necessary
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Approved for use in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products by global regulatory agencies
- Complies with REACH and other environmental safety standards
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Slowly biodegradable under aerobic conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Low to moderate aquatic toxicity; avoid environmental release in large quantities
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Safety Handling Precautions
PPE Required:
- Dust mask or respirator (for powder handling)
- Safety goggles
- Gloves (nitrile or latex)
- Protective clothing or lab coat
Handling Guidelines:
- Use in well-ventilated areas
- Minimize dust generation and avoid inhalation
- Avoid eye and skin contact
- Employ dust extraction or local exhaust ventilation when handling bulk powder
Storage Measures:
- Keep containers tightly sealed
- Store away from acids and incompatible substances
- Protect from moisture and humidity
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in the work area
- Clean work surfaces and equipment regularly
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation occurs
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation continues
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; consult physician if large amounts ingested or if symptoms develop
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide
- Special Precautions: Use standard firefighting protective equipment
- Decomposition Products: May release toxic gases such as nitrogen oxides and sodium oxides on combustion