EDTA 2NA

EDTA 2Na is the disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a highly effective aminopolycarboxylate chelating and complexing agent with the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈ and molecular weight 336.21 g/mol, presenting as a white crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water (approximately 108 g/L at 20°C), insoluble in ethanol and ether, with a pH of 4.0–5.0 in aqueous solution, widely used as a metal ion sequestrant, stabilizer, antioxidant synergist, and preservative efficiency enhancer across cosmetics, detergents, food processing, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, textiles, electroplating, and analytical chemistry.
EDTA 2Na contains six coordinating atoms — two nitrogen atoms and four oxygen carboxylate groups — in a hexadentate ligand structure that allows a single EDTA 2Na molecule to form extremely stable, water-soluble chelate complexes with metal ions including calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), iron (Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺), copper (Cu²⁺), and heavy metals, effectively sequestering them and diminishing their reactivity to prevent oxidation, discoloration, turbidity, precipitation, microbial growth, and deterioration in formulations.
EDTA 2Na is distinct from EDTA 4Na (tetrasodium salt) in having a slightly acidic pH of 4–6 in aqueous solution versus the strongly alkaline pH of 10–12 of EDTA 4Na, making EDTA 2Na more suitable for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and acidic to neutral formulations, while EDTA 4Na is preferred in industrial cleaning, textile processing, and alkaline detergent applications.

CAS Number: 139-33-3 (anhydrous); 6381-92-6 (dihydrate)
EC Number: 205-358-3
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈ (anhydrous); C₁₀H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈·2H₂O (dihydrate)
Molecular Weight: 336.21 g/mol (anhydrous); 372.23 g/mol (dihydrate)

Synonyms: Disodium EDTA, EDTA Disodium Salt, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Disodium Salt, Disodium Edetate, Edetic Acid Disodium Salt, Isodium Dihydrogen Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, EDTA-2Na, EDTA Na2, EDTA 2Na Dihydrate, (Ethylenedinitrilo)tetraacetic Acid Disodium Salt, Disodium Dihydrogen Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, Glycine N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(carboxymethyl)- Disodium Salt, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Disodium, INCI: Disodium EDTA, CAS 139-33-3, CAS 6381-92-6

EDTA 2Na is derived from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which was developed in the 1930s–40s as a synthetic aminopolycarboxylic acid, and is produced commercially as several salts — most notably disodium EDTA (EDTA 2Na) and calcium disodium EDTA — with EDTA 2Na being the most widely used form in personal care, food, and pharmaceutical applications due to its superior water solubility and compatibility with neutral to acidic formulations.
EDTA 2Na is listed on the REACH Candidate List considerations, is registered under EC 205-358-3, and is not classified as dangerous goods for transport under ADR/RID, IMDG, or IATA/ICAO regulations; its primary occupational hazard is inhalation of dust (H332 — harmful if inhaled), and the material has relatively low acute oral LD50 (>2,000 mg/kg in rats), is not a skin or eye irritant, not a skin sensitizer, and is not carcinogenic or reproductively toxic based on available data.

EDTA 2Na is not readily biodegradable under standard OECD 301 test conditions (approximately 0–10% BOD after 30 days), which is an environmental limitation; biodegradable alternatives such as GLDA (glutamic acid diacetate) and H-Quest are available for applications requiring green chelation.
EDTA 2Na is added during the cool-down phase of cosmetic formulations (typically below 40°C) to maintain antimicrobial efficacy; it is compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients within its recommended pH range, and is vegan and cruelty-free.

Uses of EDTA 2Na:
EDTA 2Na is used in personal care and cosmetic products including shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, lotions, creams, bar soaps, bath preparations, hair gels, dyes, and makeup to chelate and sequester metal ions that could otherwise catalyze oxidation, cause discoloration or rancidity, degrade surfactant performance, or promote microbial growth, thereby increasing product stability, enhancing foaming properties, and extending shelf life at typical use levels of 0.1–1.0%.
EDTA 2Na is used in detergents and household cleaning products including liquid laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, hard surface cleaners, carpet and upholstery cleaners, industrial cleaners, and personal care bar soaps to soften hard water by binding calcium and magnesium ions, improve surfactant efficiency and cleaning performance, maintain foam stability, and prevent mineral deposits on surfaces.

EDTA 2Na is used as a food additive (E386) in jams, vegetable purées, and sauces (≤0.07 g/kg), preserved fruits, pickled vegetables, canned vegetables, canned nuts and seeds, and canned grains (≤0.25 g/kg), compound seasonings (≤0.075 g/kg), and beverages excluding packaged drinking water (≤0.03 g/kg), where it functions as a color protector, quality improver, synergistic antioxidant, and preservative by chelating metal ions that catalyze oxidation, turbidity, and deterioration.
EDTA 2Na is used in beverage production to stabilize beverages and prevent haze or cloudiness formation, and in food testing as a key reagent in HPLC, ion chromatography, colorimetry, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods for detecting EDTA content in food products.

EDTA 2Na is used in pharmaceutical formulations as a stabilizer, chelating agent, and excipient in the manufacture of medicines, in blood collection and processing as an anticoagulant, and in drug delivery systems to improve the stability and bioavailability of certain medications.
EDTA 2Na is used in analytical chemistry as the premier reagent for complexometric titrations (chelometric titration) for the determination of metal ion concentrations in water, food, pharmaceutical, and industrial samples, and in biological laboratory applications as a gentle non-enzymatic cell dissociation reagent.

EDTA 2Na is used in industrial water treatment, circulating cooling water systems, boilers, and heat exchangers to sequester metal ions including calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper, prevent scale formation, control corrosion, and improve equipment efficiency and longevity.
EDTA 2Na is used in electroplating (chemical copper plating, gold plating, lead-tin alloy plating, electrochemical polishing of steel), metal cleaning and surface treatment prior to silver plating of copper parts, and as a bath stabilizer in electroplating without cyanide.

EDTA 2Na is used in the textile dyeing and printing industry to improve dye fixation and color fastness, and in dry-process acrylic fiber production to counteract metal interference and improve the color and brightness of dyed fabrics; it is also used as a dyeing auxiliary agent and fiber treatment agent.
EDTA 2Na is used in the processing of color photosensitive materials as a component of blix (bleach-fix) liquid washing processing solutions, and in color photography developing solutions.

EDTA 2Na is used in the synthetic rubber industry — specifically in the chlorination reduction initiation system for styrene-butadiene rubber polymerization — as a component of the activator to complex ferrous ions and control the polymerization reaction rate.
EDTA 2Na is used in the pulp and paper industry to improve paper quality and strength, in agricultural formulations as a chelating agent for micronutrient fertilizer production and pesticide sprays, and in oil field cementing and drilling fluid conditioning.

EDTA 2Na is used as a general-purpose complexing agent for heavy metal quantitative analysis, as a blood anticoagulant, and in stabilizing liquid detergents to improve washing quality; it is also used in gas well dewatering, gas well unloading, and industrial foaming applications.
EDTA 2Na is used as a cadmium removal agent for rice protein, where soaking in an EDTA 2Na solution effectively removes cadmium from rice protein, and in carbon steel corrosion inhibition.

Benefits or Advantages of EDTA 2Na:
EDTA 2Na forms extremely stable water-soluble chelate complexes with metal ions through its hexadentate ligand structure (two N + four O coordinating atoms), providing superior chelating power that maintains effectiveness across a wide range of pH, temperature, and electrolyte conditions compared to simpler chelating agents.
EDTA 2Na improves formulation stability by preventing metal-ion-catalyzed oxidation, discoloration, turbidity, rancidity, and ingredient degradation, and enhances the effectiveness of preservative systems by controlling metal ions that support microbial growth, thereby extending shelf life of cosmetic, food, and industrial formulations.

EDTA 2Na is highly soluble in water (approximately 108 g/L at 20°C), making it straightforward to incorporate into aqueous and liquid-based formulations without requiring co-solvents or special processing, and it is compatible with a wide range of surfactants, emulsifiers, preservatives, and active ingredients.
EDTA 2Na has relatively low acute oral toxicity (LD50 >2,000 mg/kg in rats), is not a skin or eye irritant, not a skin sensitizer, and is not classified as carcinogenic or reproductively toxic, supporting its safe use in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications within established regulatory limits.

EDTA 2Na is not classified as dangerous goods under ADR/RID, IMDG, or IATA transport regulations, has no UN number, and requires no special transport precautions beyond moisture protection and dust control, simplifying logistics in commercial supply chains.
EDTA 2Na acts as a synergistic antioxidant by reducing metal-catalyzed oxidation reactions, thereby maintaining color, fragrance, flavor, and active ingredient stability, and as a synergist for existing preservative systems reducing the total preservative load needed in cosmetic and food formulations.

Features of EDTA 2Na:
EDTA 2Na is a white crystalline powder or solid containing two crystal waters (dihydrate form) that is easy to lose crystal water upon drying, with a slightly acidic pH of 4.0–5.0 in aqueous solution, a density of approximately 1.767 g/cm³ at 20°C, decomposition temperature of approximately 252°C, autoignition temperature of approximately 470°C, essentially zero vapor pressure (<0.0000001 hPa at 25°C), and bulk density of approximately 950 kg/m³.
EDTA 2Na is freely soluble in water (approximately 108 g/L at 20°C), practically insoluble in ethanol and diethyl ether, has a log Kow of approximately -4.3, a bioconcentration factor of approximately 1.8, and is characterized as non-volatile, non-flammable, and non-oxidizing, but finely dispersed dust may create a combustible dust hazard with minimum ignition energy greater than 4 J.

EDTA 2Na in cosmetics should be added during the cool-down phase of formulation below 40°C to maintain antimicrobial efficacy; the recommended dosage in detergents, personal care products, and cosmetics is 0.1–1.0%, and it is vegan and cruelty-free.
EDTA 2Na is less readily biodegradable than alternative chelating agents such as GLDA and H-Quest, reporting only approximately 0–10% BOD after 30 days under OECD test conditions; formulators seeking biodegradable alternatives should consider GLDA (100% biodegradable, from bio-feedstock) or H-Quest.

Chemical Properties of EDTA 2Na:
EDTA 2Na has the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈ (anhydrous, MW 336.21 g/mol) or C₁₀H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈·2H₂O (dihydrate, MW 372.23 g/mol); the linear formula is (NaOOCCH₂)₂NCH₂CH₂N(CH₂COONa)₂, derived from ethylenediamine with four carboxymethyl (-CH₂COOH) groups, two of which are neutralized as sodium salts.
EDTA 2Na forms five-membered or six-membered chelate rings with metal ions, the most stable chelate ring configurations, through simultaneous coordination of nitrogen and oxygen atoms; chelate structures with five or six member rings form the most stable chelate circles, explaining EDTA 2Na's outstanding sequestering power across a wide range of metal ions.

EDTA 2Na is chemically stable under normal storage conditions; it is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and reactive metals; compatibility with light metals should be considered depending on process conditions; the substance does not produce flammable gases in contact with water and is not classified as an oxidizing substance.
EDTA 2Na thermal decomposition at approximately 252°C may produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen-containing fumes, and sodium-containing residues; under normal handling and storage temperatures the substance is stable with no hazardous decomposition products expected.

Production of EDTA 2Na:
EDTA 2Na is produced commercially by the neutralization of EDTA free acid with two equivalents of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), followed by crystallization or spray-drying to yield the anhydrous or dihydrate sodium salt; the EDTA free acid itself is typically synthesized by the reaction of ethylenediamine with sodium cyanide and formaldehyde (Strecker synthesis) followed by acidification.
EDTA 2Na quality is controlled through verification of assay (≥99.0–99.5%), pH of aqueous solution (4.0–5.0), chloride content (≤0.01%), sulfate content (≤0.05%), heavy metals content, iron content (≤0.0005%), lead content (≤0.0005%), copper content (≤0.0005%), and water solubility (clear, colorless solution).

EDTA 2Na is packaged in 25 kg environmentally friendly kraft paper woven bags lined with plastic bags, or according to customer requirements; storage requires protection from sunlight, moisture, and fire; it should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place with containers tightly closed.
EDTA 2Na has a shelf life of 24 months under proper storage conditions (cool, dry, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight); it is stable under proper storage conditions and does not require special temperature control.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of EDTA 2Na:

Handling of EDTA 2Na:
EDTA 2Na should be handled in accordance with good industrial hygiene practices and in compliance with the applicable Safety Data Sheet; avoid dust formation, do not breathe dust (H332 — harmful if inhaled), use adequate local exhaust ventilation, and keep containers closed when not in use.
EDTA 2Na handling requires avoiding contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, not eating, drinking, or smoking while handling the product, washing hands thoroughly after handling, removing contaminated clothing, and taking precautionary measures against static discharge to prevent combustible dust hazards.

SDS of EDTA 2Na:

Stability and Reactivity of EDTA 2Na:

Chemical stability:
EDTA 2Na is stable when stored and handled according to recommended conditions; protect from excessive humidity, contamination, and ignition sources.

Reactivity:
EDTA 2Na does not produce flammable gases in contact with water and is not classified as an oxidizing substance.
Dust explosion may occur where fine particles become suspended in air and contact an ignition source.

Conditions to avoid:
Humidity and excessive moisture.
Dust formation and accumulation.
Electrostatic discharge.
Strong ignition sources.
Excessive heat above 252°C.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Light metals (handle cautiously depending on process conditions).
Strongly reactive substances.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Carbon monoxide (CO).
Carbon dioxide (CO2).
Nitrogen-containing fumes.
Sodium-containing residues.
Irritating decomposition products (under fire conditions).

Handling and Storage of EDTA 2Na:

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene practices.
Avoid dust formation and inhalation of dust; use local exhaust ventilation.
Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
Keep containers closed when not in use; open only in adequately ventilated areas.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Take precautions against static discharge; ground and bond equipment during powder transfer.
Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.

Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Keep containers tightly closed; protect from humidity and contamination.
Avoid storage conditions that may cause caking or decomposition.
Suitable container materials: LDPE, HDPE, glass, paper/board with moisture protection.
Shelf life: 24 months under proper storage conditions.
Packaging: 25 kg kraft paper woven bags with PE inner liner; other formats available on request.

First Aid Measures of EDTA 2Na:

Inhalation:
Move affected person to fresh air immediately; keep calm and at rest.
If breathing difficulty, coughing, or respiratory irritation develops, seek medical attention.

Skin contact:
Remove contaminated clothing; wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.

Eye contact:
Rinse immediately with clean running water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids apart.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to remove; seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth thoroughly; give water to drink if the person is conscious.
Do not give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Seek medical attention if large quantities have been swallowed or gastrointestinal symptoms develop.

Firefighting Measures of EDTA 2Na:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Dry chemical powder, foam, or water spray where appropriate for surrounding fire conditions.

Specific hazards:
EDTA 2Na itself is not highly flammable; however, finely dispersed organic dust may become combustible and dust clouds may ignite explosively in the presence of a sufficiently strong ignition source.
Thermal decomposition may produce carbon oxides, nitrogen-containing decomposition products, sodium-containing residues, and irritating fumes.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and appropriate firefighting protective clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
Avoid generating or dispersing powder during firefighting; control dust dispersion.
Cool nearby containers if exposed to heat; prevent fire extinguishing water from entering drains or waterways.

Accidental Release Measures of EDTA 2Na:

Personal precautions:
Avoid dust formation and inhalation of dust; wear suitable PPE.
Remove ignition sources where dust clouds may develop; avoid static electricity.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent release into drains, surface water, and groundwater; do not discharge significant quantities directly into the environment.

Methods for cleaning up:
Carefully collect material using suitable equipment avoiding sweeping methods that generate airborne dust.
Use dust-binding techniques where necessary; place waste in appropriate containers.
Clean contaminated surfaces after bulk material has been removed; do not use compressed air for cleanup.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of EDTA 2Na:

Engineering controls:
Provide local exhaust ventilation where dust can be generated; maintain adequate general ventilation.
Use enclosed transfer systems where practical; design dust collection systems appropriately for large-scale handling.

Eye protection:
Wear safety glasses with side shields; chemical safety goggles where significant dust exposure is expected.

Hand protection:
Wear chemical-resistant protective gloves; select glove material based on exposure duration and manufacturer permeation data.

Skin and body protection:
Wear protective work clothing, chemical-resistant apron, and protective footwear appropriate to the activity.

Respiratory protection:
Use a certified particulate respirator where engineering controls cannot adequately control airborne dust.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands after handling; avoid touching the face with contaminated gloves; keep emergency eye wash equipment accessible.

Identifiers of EDTA 2Na:
CAS Number: 139-33-3 (anhydrous); 6381-92-6 (dihydrate)
EC Number: 205-358-3
IUPAC Name: Disodium 2-({2-[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]ethyl}(carboxymethyl)amino)acetate
INCI Name: Disodium EDTA
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈ (anhydrous)
Molecular Weight: 336.21 g/mol (anhydrous); 372.23 g/mol (dihydrate)
GHS Signal Word: Warning
GHS Hazard Statement: H332 (harmful if inhaled)
GHS Precautionary Statements: P260, P271, P304+P340, P312
NFPA: Health 1 / Fire 1 / Reactivity 0
HMIS III: Health 1 / Flammability 1 / Physical Hazard 0
US FDA: Food additive (E386)
EU Food Additive: E386
Transport: Not classified as dangerous goods (ADR/RID, IMDG, IATA)
TSCA: Listed (active)
Log Kow: -4.3 at 25°C
Biodegradability: Not readily biodegradable (~0–10% BOD/28 days, OECD)

Properties of EDTA 2Na:
Physical state: Solid (powder or crystalline)
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless to mild characteristic odor
Density: ~1.767 g/cm³ at 20°C
Bulk density: ~950 kg/m³
Decomposition temperature: ~252°C
Autoignition temperature: ~470°C
Vapor pressure: <0.0000001 hPa at 25°C
Solubility in water: ~108 g/L at 20°C (freely soluble)
Solubility in ethanol/ether: Insoluble
pH (10 g/L, 25°C): 4.0–5.0 (slightly acidic)
Log Kow: -4.3
BCF: ~1.8 (low bioaccumulation)
Flash point: Not applicable (solid); >100°C (solution)
Flammability: Not highly flammable (but dust can be combustible)
Biodegradability: Not readily biodegradable (~0–10% BOD/28 days)
GHS: Warning; H332

Specifications of EDTA 2Na:
Product name: EDTA 2Na (Disodium EDTA)
CAS Number: 139-33-3 (anhydrous); 6381-92-6 (dihydrate)
EC Number: 205-358-3
INCI Name: Disodium EDTA
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈ (anhydrous); C₁₀H₁₄N₂Na₂O₈·2H₂O (dihydrate)
Molecular Weight: 336.21 g/mol (anhydrous); 372.23 g/mol (dihydrate)
Assay: ≥99.0–99.5%
Appearance: White crystalline powder
pH (10 g/L, 25°C): 4.0–5.0 (4.3–4.7 per some specifications)
Chloride (Cl): ≤0.01%
Sulfate (SO₄): ≤0.05%
Iron (Fe): ≤0.0005%
Lead (Pb): ≤0.0005%
Copper (Cu): ≤0.0005%
Heavy metals (as Pb): ≤20 ppm
Alkalinity: ≤0.1%
Solubility in water: Clear, colorless solution (passes test)
Recommended use level: 0.1–1.0% (cosmetics and detergents)
Shelf life: 24 months in original sealed packaging under proper storage
Packaging: 25 kg kraft paper bag with PE inner liner; other formats available

Names of EDTA 2Na:
EDTA 2Na
Disodium EDTA
EDTA Disodium Salt
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Disodium Salt
Disodium Edetate
Edetic Acid Disodium Salt
Isodium Dihydrogen Ethylenediaminetetraacetate
EDTA-2Na
EDTA Na2
(Ethylenedinitrilo)tetraacetic Acid Disodium Salt
Disodium Dihydrogen Ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Disodium
EDTA 2Na Dihydrate
INCI: Disodium EDTA
E386 (food additive)
CAS 139-33-3
CAS 6381-92-6