EDTA CAS 60-00-4 Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

Basic Properties & Chemical Characteristics

• Basic Properties: EDTA appears as a white, odorless, crystalline solid or powder. It is an aminopolycarboxylic acid and acts as a hexadentate (“six-toothed”) chelating agent.
• Chemical Characteristics: The molecular structure of EDTA contains four carboxylic acid groups and two amine groups, providing six binding sites. This allows it to wrap around and securely sequester divalent and trivalent metal ions, forming highly stable, ring-like complexes.
• Common Chemical Reactions: As an acid, it readily reacts with bases (like sodium hydroxide or ammonia) to form highly water-soluble EDTA salts.

Specifications

Data Sheet Download

Applications

• Detergents and Cleaning Agents: Acts as a water softener. It sequesters calcium and magnesium ions found in hard water, preventing soap scum formation and boosting the cleaning and foaming efficiency of surfactants.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Used in shampoos, lotions, and soaps as a stabilizer. By binding trace metals that act as catalysts for oxidation, EDTA prevents discoloration, rancidity, and the degradation of active cosmetic ingredients.
• Textile and Paper Industry: In textiles, it prevents metal ion impurities from altering the colors of dyed fabrics. In paper manufacturing, it stabilizes hydrogen peroxide bleaching baths by sequestering metal ions that would otherwise catalyze the premature breakdown of the bleach.
• Food and Beverage: (Specific Food Grade required) Acts as a preservative and antioxidant. It chelates transition metals like iron and copper, mitigating catalytic oxidation, delaying oil rancidity, and preserving food color and flavor.
• Analytical Chemistry: Extensively utilized in laboratories for complexometric titrations to determine water hardness and metal ion concentrations.

Storage Environment Requirements

• Container: Keep stored in a tightly closed, original container.
• Temperature & Humidity: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, preferably at room temperature (15°C – 25°C). Ensure humidity is controlled to prevent moisture absorption and caking.
• Incompatibilities: Keep away from direct sunlight, excess heat, strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and specific metals like copper, copper alloys, and nickel.

Handling and Use Precautions

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety goggles/glasses with side shields, chemical-resistant gloves, and suitable protective clothing. If dust is generated, use an approved dust mask or respirator.
• Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Causes serious eye irritation (H319). Avoid breathing dust and ensure adequate local exhaust ventilation in the workspace.
• Hygiene: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling the product. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area.

Formulations

• Shampoo Formulations:
  • Usage: Added at low concentrations (typically 0.1% – 0.2%).
  • Function: Softens the water used during showering to ensure rich lather. It binds trace metals that can cause hair to feel brittle and stabilizes the shampoo’s fragrance and color over its shelf life.
• Laundry Detergents:
  • Usage: Integrated into powder and liquid detergent matrixes.
  • Function: Neutralizes hard water ions ($Ca^{2+}$, $Mg^{2+}$) so they do not react with anionic surfactants. It also keeps soils suspended in the wash water, preventing dirt from redepositing onto fabrics.
• Skincare Lotions/Creams:
  • Usage: Dispersed in the aqueous phase during formulation.
  • Function: Enhances the efficacy of preservatives and prevents lipid peroxidation (rancidity) of the oils in the emulsion by inactivating catalytic metal ions.

Packaging

• Standard Packaging: 25 kg multi-wall paper bags with a PE inner liner, or 25 kg fiber drums.
• Bulk Packaging: 500 kg or 1000 kg FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container) Jumbo bags.
• Customization: Specific packaging materials, weights, and private labeling are available as required to meet customer needs.

Safety and Compliance