EDTA Na4 is tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, the fully neutralized sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.
EDTA Na4 belongs to the aminopolycarboxylate family and supplies a multidentate ligand capable of forming stable complexes with many metal ions.
EDTA Na4 functions primarily as a metal-ion sequestrant in detergents, industrial cleaners, metal-treatment systems, and selected cosmetic and laboratory formulations.
CAS Number: 64-02-8
EC Number: 200-573-9
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₂N₂Na₄O₈
Molecular Weight: 380.17 g/mol, anhydrous basis
Dihydrate CAS Number: 10378-23-1
Dihydrate Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₂N₂Na₄O₈·2H₂O
Dihydrate Molecular Weight: 416.20 g/mol
Tetrahydrate CAS Number: 13235-36-4
Tetrahydrate Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₂N₂Na₄O₈·4H₂O
Tetrahydrate Molecular Weight: 452.23 g/mol
Synonyms: Tetrasodium EDTA, EDTA tetrasodium salt, tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt, tetrasodium edetate, edetate sodium, sodium edetate, edetic acid tetrasodium salt, ethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt, tetrasodium ethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetate, ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt, tetrasodium ethylenedinitrilotetraacetate, ethylenebis(iminodiacetic acid) tetrasodium salt, N,N′-1,2-ethanediylbis[N-(carboxymethyl)glycine] tetrasodium salt, glycine N,N′-1,2-ethanediylbis[N-(carboxymethyl)- tetrasodium salt, acetic acid (ethylenedinitrilo)tetra- tetrasodium salt, tetrasodium 2,2′,2″,2‴-(1,2-ethanediyldinitrilo)tetraacetate, tetrasodium 2-[2-[bis(carboxylatomethyl)amino]ethyl-(carboxylatomethyl)amino]acetate, Na₄EDTA, EDTA 4Na, anhydrous tetrasodium EDTA, CAS 64-02-8, EINECS 200-573-9, PubChem CID 6144, UNII MP1J8420LU, aminopolycarboxylate chelating agent, sodium aminopolycarboxylate, alkaline chelating agent, metal-ion sequestrant, water-hardness complexing agent
APPLICATIONS
EDTA Na4 contributes to household detergent formulations by binding calcium and magnesium ions introduced through hard water.
EDTA Na4 helps limit hardness-related interference with compatible surfactants and cleaning ingredients.
Additionally, EDTA Na4 reduces the availability of metal ions responsible for certain insoluble residues and deposits.
EDTA Na4 performance depends on water hardness, available chelant concentration, and the composition of the finished detergent.
EDTA Na4 supports industrial and institutional cleaning systems that require control of mineral contamination.
EDTA Na4 can assist the removal of selected metal-containing deposits by stabilizing released metal ions in solution.
Moreover, EDTA Na4 offers a readily soluble chelant for appropriately formulated alkaline aqueous cleaners.
EDTA Na4 keeps complexed metals dissolved, making management of the resulting cleaning liquor an important part of the application.
EDTA Na4 serves as a complexing ingredient in selected electroplating and metal-surface-treatment formulations.
EDTA Na4 controls free metal-ion activity through the formation of coordination complexes.
In addition, EDTA Na4 can maintain dissolved metals under conditions where their uncomplexed salts would otherwise precipitate.
EDTA Na4 selection for metal treatment depends on bath chemistry, metal identity, impurity tolerance, and subsequent wastewater-treatment requirements.
EDTA Na4 participates in selected textile washing, scouring, and dyeing operations where metal contamination affects processing.
EDTA Na4 helps control hardness ions and transition metals that can contribute to deposits or unwanted interactions.
Additionally, EDTA Na4 supplies EDTA ligand in a water-soluble form suitable for compatible alkaline treatment baths.
EDTA Na4 requires assessment against the fiber, dye system, oxidants, and other auxiliaries present in the process.
EDTA Na4 contributes to metal-ion management in selected pulp and paper processes.
EDTA Na4 complexes metals that can promote undesirable hydrogen-peroxide decomposition under appropriate bleaching conditions.
Moreover, EDTA Na4 can help preserve bleaching performance when the process provides effective metal binding.
EDTA Na4 compatibility within a treatment sequence does not establish suitability for every concentrated or stored bleach formulation.
EDTA Na4 functions as a chelating ingredient in selected soaps, shampoos, cleansers, and skin-care preparations.
EDTA Na4 helps control trace metals associated with discoloration, instability, or undesirable ingredient interactions.
In addition, EDTA Na4 contributes alkalinity that must be considered when adjusting the finished formulation’s pH.
EDTA Na4 cosmetic suitability depends on the exact grade, impurity profile, concentration, finished-product assessment, and applicable regulatory requirements.
EDTA Na4 appears in selected paints, coatings, printing inks, and dye-related formulations as a metal-ion sequestrant.
EDTA Na4 provides a means of controlling adventitious metals where those metals adversely affect formulation behavior.
Additionally, EDTA Na4 introduces sodium ions and an alkaline chelant, making compatibility with binders and dispersions important.
EDTA Na4 requires formulation-specific evaluation because electrolyte loading and chelation can affect systems that rely on colloidal stability or metal-dependent interactions.
EDTA Na4 provides a soluble chelating reagent for selected biochemical and analytical laboratory preparations.
EDTA Na4 can inhibit metal-dependent enzymes by binding essential cofactors, including zinc and calcium.
Moreover, EDTA Na4 supports metal-complexation studies and other chemical procedures when its solution pH and sodium content are acceptable.
EDTA Na4 laboratory use requires suitable purity and pH control because residual chelant can interfere with subsequent reactions requiring available metal ions.
DESCRIPTION
EDTA Na4 contains four sodium counterions associated with the fully neutralized EDTA ligand.
EDTA Na4 retains an ethylenediamine backbone bearing four carboxymethyl groups.
Additionally, EDTA Na4 supplies coordination sites through two nitrogen atoms and four carboxylate groups.
EDTA Na4 commonly forms one-to-one metal complexes, although complex stability depends on the metal and solution conditions.
EDTA Na4 solid grades generally appear as white to slightly yellowish crystalline powders.
EDTA Na4 dissolves readily in water and produces alkaline solutions.
Moreover, EDTA Na4 commercial powders may absorb moisture, affecting caking, handling, and active content per unit mass.
EDTA Na4 physical specifications therefore require confirmation of the supplied grade and hydration state.
EDTA Na4 is available as anhydrous material, defined hydrates, variable-water-content powders, and aqueous solutions.
EDTA Na4 has an anhydrous molecular weight of 380.17 g/mol, while defined hydrates have higher molecular weights because of their water of crystallization.
In addition, EDTA Na4 commercial assay may be expressed as anhydrous tetrasodium salt or as EDTA free-acid equivalent.
EDTA Na4 grade comparisons must account for assay basis, moisture, residual alkalinity, and manufacturing impurities.
EDTA Na4 forms dissolved species whose protonation and metal-binding behavior change with pH.
EDTA Na4 complexation can influence precipitation, deposit dissolution, and the behavior of metal-containing formulations.
Additionally, EDTA Na4 remains stable under recommended ambient storage conditions but decomposes when sufficiently heated.
EDTA Na4 requires compatibility assessment with strong oxidants and with construction materials exposed to its aqueous solutions.
EDTA Na4 concentrated grades can cause serious eye damage and may be classified as harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
EDTA Na4 classifications differ between products and jurisdictions, with some powder SDSs also identifying respiratory effects from repeated inhalation.
Moreover, EDTA Na4 does not meet standard ready-biodegradability criteria, although degradation can occur under suitable conditions.
EDTA Na4 workplace labeling and environmental controls must follow the current regional supplier SDS and account for any complexed metals in the waste stream.
PROPERTIES
Product Name: EDTA Na4
Common Name: Tetrasodium EDTA
Chemical Name: Tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Alternative Name: Edetic acid tetrasodium salt
INCI Name: Tetrasodium EDTA
Chemical Family: Aminopolycarboxylate salts
Functional Class: Chelating agent; metal-ion sequestrant
CAS Number: 64-02-8
EC Number: 200-573-9
European Index Number: 607-428-00-2
PubChem CID: 6144
UNII: MP1J8420LU
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₂N₂Na₄O₈
Molecular Weight: 380.17 g/mol, anhydrous basis
Condensed Structural Formula: (NaOOCCH₂)₂N–CH₂CH₂–N(CH₂COONa)₂
Index Name: Glycine, N,N′-1,2-ethanediylbis[N-(carboxymethyl)-, tetrasodium salt
Dihydrate Molecular Weight: 416.20 g/mol
Tetrahydrate Molecular Weight: 452.23 g/mol
Physical State: Solid for anhydrous and hydrated grades; liquid for separately specified aqueous solutions
Appearance: White to slightly yellowish crystalline powder for common solid grades
Water Solubility: Readily soluble; quantitative values depend on hydration, grade, temperature, and reporting basis
Representative Solution pH: Approximately 11.2–11.5 for 1% aqueous preparations at 23°C in published commercial grades
Representative Bulk Density: Approximately 690 kg/m³ for a published commercial powder; not an intrinsic crystal density
Melting Behavior: High-temperature dehydration and decomposition can occur; no universal clean melting point
Representative High-Temperature Behavior: Decomposition near 300°C described for certain commercial powders; onset is grade and method dependent
Boiling Point: No established normal boiling point for the solid salt; decomposes on heating
Volatility: Negligible under ordinary ambient handling conditions
Moisture Sensitivity: Commercial powders can be hygroscopic
Flash Point: Not normally applicable to characterization of the solid powder
Dust Hazard: Some powder grades can form explosive dust–air mixtures under suitable conditions
Typical Metal-Complex Stoichiometry: One mole of EDTA ligand per mole of metal ion for many common complexes
Coordination Functionality: Up to six donor sites
Purity: Grade-specific; confirm the assay basis and water content
Primary Industrial Function: Metal-ion sequestration
Major Applications: Detergents, industrial cleaners, metal treatment, selected textile and paper processes, cosmetics, coatings, inks, and laboratory preparations
GHS Classification: Common concentrated grades carry Acute Oral Toxicity Category 4 and Serious Eye Damage Category 1; inhalation and repeated-exposure classifications vary
Hazard Statements: H302—Harmful if swallowed; H318—Causes serious eye damage; H332—Harmful if inhaled and H373—May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, where applicable
Signal Word: Danger for grades classified as causing serious eye damage
Relevant Target System: Respiratory system for classifications concerning repeated inhalation
Environmental Classification: Product and jurisdiction dependent
Biodegradability: Not readily biodegradable under standard OECD criteria; degradation is condition dependent
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents; certain metals and other construction materials require compatibility assessment
Hazardous Thermal-Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sodium-containing residues or fumes
Transport Status: Documented solid commercial grades are not regulated as dangerous goods under ADR, IMDG, and IATA; verify the exact grade
UN Number: Not assigned for grades not regulated as dangerous goods
Transport Class: Not applicable for those grades
Packing Group: Not applicable for those grades
Shelf Life: Grade, purity, packaging, storage conditions, and manufacturer dependent
Regulatory Suitability: Exact grade, chemical form, formulation, intended application, and regional requirements determine suitability
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air and keep them comfortable for breathing.
Obtain medical advice after significant dust exposure or if coughing, throat irritation, or other symptoms develop.
Seek urgent assistance for breathing difficulty.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and rinse the affected skin thoroughly with water.
Obtain medical advice if irritation persists or concentrated solution has caused a significant exposure.
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Immediately rinse with gently flowing water for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids apart.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to remove, then continue rinsing.
Obtain urgent medical attention because concentrated grades can cause serious eye damage.
Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth if the person is conscious.
Do not induce vomiting.
Contact a poison center or physician promptly.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically and obtain the exact product SDS.
Evaluate eye injury and respiratory symptoms according to the route and extent of exposure.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Avoid breathing EDTA Na4 dust or mist and prevent eye contact.
Minimize powder dispersion during opening, weighing, and transfer.
Use controlled handling methods and wash hands after work.
Engineering Controls:
Provide enclosed handling or local exhaust where airborne particles can develop.
Keep eyewash and washing facilities readily accessible.
Control dust at the point of release.
Personal Protection:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and chemical splash goggles.
Add a face shield where concentrated solutions or dusty transfers present substantial exposure risk.
Select protective materials for the actual formulation and contact conditions.
Respiratory Protection:
Use appropriate particulate respiratory protection when engineering controls cannot adequately control dust.
Assess mist-generating operations separately.
Use properly fitted equipment within the applicable workplace respiratory-protection program.
Fire and Static Control:
Control ignition sources and prevent dust deposits in powder-handling areas.
Assess the supplied grade’s dust-explosion characteristics when designing bulk equipment.
Use appropriate grounding, bonding, and dust-control equipment where required.
Clean with methods that avoid suspending dust, including a vacuum suitable for combustible dust where appropriate.
Storage:
Keep solid grades tightly closed in a cool, dry location.
Protect against moisture and contamination.
Follow the manufacturer’s temperature and packaging requirements.
Store aqueous solutions according to their specified concentration and low-temperature stability limits.
Material Compatibility:
Separate from strong oxidizing agents and other incompatible chemicals.
Assess metals, seals, and vessels against solution pH, temperature, and composition.
Avoid unapproved aluminum containers.
Use construction materials supported by the grade-specific documentation.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Restrict access and avoid creating dust or aerosols.
Collect powder using controlled methods and contain liquid spills with suitable absorbents.
Place recovered material in closed, labeled containers.
Retain contaminated cleanup liquids.
Environmental Precautions:
Prevent uncontrolled discharge to drains, soil, groundwater, or surface water.
Account for complexed metals when evaluating wastewater.
Chelation changes metal speciation and can affect treatment intended to precipitate or remove metals.
Fire Response:
Use water spray, foam, dry powder, or other media specified for the surrounding fire and exact grade.
Firefighters should wear suitable protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Contain contaminated firefighting water.
Waste Disposal:
Dispose of residues, contaminated absorbents, and packaging through authorized waste-management routes.
Determine waste classification from the complete composition, including any bound metals.
Do not assume that complexation eliminates the hazards of metal-containing waste.