EDTA | Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid | Chelating and Sequestering Agent
EDTA stands out as a versatile and powerful chelating and sequestering agent. It is used in various industries and applications. This ability makes it an invaluable agent in processes ranging from water treatment to laboratory processes.
As a leading EDTA manufacturer, Chemtex takes center stage in the production and synthesis of this remarkable compound.
What is EDTA?
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is a weak acid used as chelating agent forming stable, water-soluble chelates with polyvalent metal ions in a wide pH range.
How it works?
The formulation reacts with metallic cations, forming a stable rigid compound and making it easily excretable from the application system. It is preferred over other chelating agents owing to its ability to form strong covalent bond with metallic ions as other inorganic contaminants may react with those metal ions, forming their own compounds.
EDTA as a Chelating Agents in Action -
The role of EDTA as a chelating agent is pivotal across numerous industrial sectors. In water treatment, it acts as a powerhouse, forming stable complexes with metal ions, preventing scale formation, and enhancing the efficiency of processes. The textile sector capitalizes on the chelating capabilities of EDTA, which protect fabrics and dyes from deterioration induced by the presence of metal ions. As a specialty chemical, EDTA finds applications in pharmaceuticals, preserving the potency of medications, and in the food industry, ensuring color and flavor stability.
Key Features and Benefits
- Widely used chelating and sequestering agent
- Prompt action; Optimum chelating efficiency
- Exhibits slime dispersing property
- Does not contain added fragrance
- Broad spectrum application
Chemtex Speciality Ltd manufactures Tetrasodium EDTA (4Na), Disodium EDTA (2Na), EDTA Trisodium (3Na) and Pure Acid form
Application Areas of EDTA
EDTA manufacturers make specific salts for specific end-use applications. Broad spectrum usage include:
- Waste water treatment: Commonly used as a chelating agent to eliminate toxic heavy metal ions during wastewater treatment.
- Textile industry: Protects dyed products by preventing alterations in color caused by impurities of metal ions.
- Pulp & paper industry: It inhibits the ability of metal ions, especially Manganese from catalyzing the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide in chlorine-free bleaching.
- Laundry: Reduces water hardness by dissolving scales of Ca2+, Mg2+, and cations, which are then less likely to interfere with soaps and detergents
- ‘Scrubbing’: Eliminates hydrogen sulfide from gas streams by converting it to non-volatile elemental sulfur through oxidation.
- Laboratory: Widely used for scavenging metal ions.
- Cosmetics: Used in shampoos, cleaners, and other personal care products as a sequestering agent.
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid is a transparent, water-soluble molecule belonging to a class of chelators that bind – chelate – metals.
EDTA Tetrasodium Salt (4Na) | CAS No. 64-02-8
| Properties | Typical Value |
| Form | Crystalline Powder |
| Appearance | White |
| Assay | 99.0% wt. (Max.) |
| Sulphate Content | 0.05% wt. (Max.) |
| Chloride Content | 0.01% wt. (Max.) |
| Solubility | Soluble in cold water |