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EDTA is ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, also known as edetic acid, and this profile covers the anhydrous free acid.
EDTA belongs to the aminopolycarboxylic acid family and forms stable coordination complexes with many polyvalent metal ions.
EDTA serves as a chelating agent in cleaning formulations, industrial processing, analytical chemistry, and selected cosmetic formulations, frequently after neutralization or conversion into a suitable salt.
CAS Number: 60-00-4
EC Number: 200-449-4
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₈
Molecular Weight: 292.24 g/mol
Synonyms: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, edetic acid, edathamil, EDTA acid, EDTA free acid, H₄EDTA, ethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(carboxymethyl)ethylenediamine, ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid, diaminoethanetetraacetic acid, ethane-1,2-diamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraethanoic acid, N,N′-ethane-1,2-diylbis[N-(carboxymethyl)glycine], glycine N,N′-1,2-ethanediylbis[N-(carboxymethyl)-, acetic acid (ethylenedinitrilo)tetra-, acetic acid 2,2′,2″,2‴-(1,2-ethanediyldinitrilo)tetrakis-, 3,6-bis(carboxymethyl)-3,6-diazaoctanedioic acid, 2-[2-[bis(carboxymethyl)amino]ethyl-(carboxymethyl)amino]acetic acid, Complexon II, sequestric acid, ICRF 185, CAS 60-00-4, EINECS 200-449-4, PubChem CID 6049, CHEBI:42191, MFCD00003541, aminopolycarboxylic acid chelating agent, aminopolycarboxylate ligand, hexadentate chelating agent, metal-ion sequestering agent
APPLICATIONS
EDTA contributes to industrial and institutional cleaning formulations by binding metal ions that interfere with cleaning performance.
EDTA helps reduce the adverse effects of calcium and magnesium on compatible detergent systems.
Additionally, EDTA supports the removal of certain mineral deposits when the formulation provides suitable dissolution and complexation conditions.
EDTA free acid generally requires neutralization or an appropriate formulation environment because its solubility in unadjusted water is limited.
EDTA participates in selected industrial water-treatment processes through the sequestration of dissolved metal ions.
EDTA can reduce the concentration of free metal ions responsible for precipitation or unwanted reactions.
Moreover, EDTA keeps complexed metals in solution rather than physically removing them from the water.
EDTA selection therefore requires consideration of metal loading, operating pH, downstream treatment, and the management of metal-containing effluent.
EDTA supports textile scouring, washing, and dyeing operations where metal contamination affects process consistency.
EDTA helps limit interference from hardness ions and selected transition metals in appropriately formulated treatment baths.
In addition, EDTA can reduce undesirable reactions between metal contaminants and other processing ingredients.
EDTA application in textile systems commonly involves a soluble salt or neutralized solution selected for the working pH and process conditions.
EDTA contributes to metal-ion control in selected pulp and paper bleaching systems.
EDTA complexes transition metals that can promote unwanted decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
Additionally, EDTA can help preserve bleaching efficiency when the complexation conditions and process sequence are suitable.
EDTA performance depends on metal speciation and formulation compatibility, so compatibility in a bleaching process does not establish suitability for every stored bleach mixture.
EDTA functions as a complexing ingredient in selected metal-cleaning and surface-treatment formulations.
EDTA can assist the dissolution of certain metal-containing deposits by stabilizing the released metal ions in solution.
Moreover, EDTA provides the chelating component for selected plating formulations, commonly through an appropriate salt or neutralized preparation.
EDTA requires compatibility assessment because complexation can also promote dissolution of the substrate or affect protective oxide layers.
EDTA serves as a central reagent in complexometric analysis of calcium, magnesium, and other metal ions.
EDTA commonly forms one-to-one complexes, providing the stoichiometric basis for quantitative metal determinations.
In addition, EDTA titrimetric methods are established for determining total water hardness under controlled analytical conditions.
EDTA working titrants are usually prepared as standardized, soluble salt solutions rather than simple concentrated solutions of the free acid.
EDTA appears in molecular-biology buffers and nucleic-acid storage solutions as a metal-ion chelator.
EDTA binds divalent cations needed by many metal-dependent nucleases, helping limit their activity under suitable conditions.
Additionally, EDTA occurs in Tris–EDTA, Tris–acetate–EDTA, and Tris–borate–EDTA buffer systems, generally in a neutralized or salt form.
EDTA concentrations must be compatible with downstream reactions because residual chelation can interfere with enzymes that require magnesium or other metal cofactors.
EDTA contributes to selected cosmetic formulations by controlling trace metals that can affect product stability.
EDTA can help limit metal-associated discoloration and other unwanted changes in compatible formulations.
Moreover, EDTA and its salts have different dissolution and pH characteristics, allowing formulators to select an appropriate form.
EDTA cosmetic suitability depends on the exact grade, impurity profile, intended concentration, finished-product assessment, and applicable regional requirements.
EDTA provides a chemical starting point for manufacturing sodium salts and selected metal–EDTA complexes.
EDTA conversion into these derivatives changes molecular weight, solubility, counterion content, and sometimes hazard classification.
In addition, EDTA-derived salts have specialized food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and laboratory applications that belong to the specifically identified derivative.
EDTA free acid must not inherit the regulatory permissions or medical functions of another EDTA form, and technical-grade material does not automatically qualify for regulated use.
DESCRIPTION
EDTA is a defined organic compound containing an ethylenediamine backbone bearing four carboxymethyl groups.
EDTA contains two nitrogen atoms and four carboxylic acid groups that provide potential coordination sites.
Additionally, EDTA can act as a hexadentate ligand when its donor groups coordinate an appropriately sized metal ion.
EDTA commonly forms one-to-one metal complexes, although complex stability and coordination behavior depend on the metal and solution conditions.
EDTA appears as colorless crystals or a white crystalline powder at room temperature.
EDTA free acid has low water solubility, with representative reported values of approximately 0.4–0.5 g/L at 20°C.
Moreover, EDTA dissolves more readily as its acid groups are neutralized and more soluble ionic forms develop.
EDTA aqueous behavior must therefore be described with the pH, chemical form, and concentration specified.
EDTA undergoes acid–base equilibria that determine the distribution of its protonated and deprotonated species.
EDTA forms complexes of differing stability with calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and many other metals.
In addition, EDTA effective binding strength depends on pH and competition from other ligands or precipitating species.
EDTA chelation consequently requires chemical compatibility and adequate available ligand, rather than merely the presence of EDTA in a formulation.
EDTA remains stable under ordinary recommended storage conditions but decomposes when sufficiently heated.
EDTA reported high-temperature behavior includes decomposition around 220–245°C rather than a clean, universally defined melting transition.
Additionally, EDTA fine powder can form combustible dust clouds, creating a separate handling concern from its low volatility.
EDTA should be distinguished from its sodium salts, hydrated salts, and preformed metal complexes because their physical properties and labeling differ.
EDTA can cause serious eye irritation, while some supplier classifications also identify harmful inhalation and respiratory effects from repeated dust exposure.
EDTA environmental behavior is influenced by complex formation and does not support describing every EDTA species as readily biodegradable.
Moreover, EDTA complexes can alter metal mobility and complicate treatment intended to remove dissolved metals.
EDTA workplace labeling and environmental precautions must follow the current regional supplier SDS for the exact material supplied.
PROPERTIES
Product Name: EDTA
Common Name: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
Alternative Name: Edetic acid
Chemical Form: Anhydrous free acid
Chemical Family: Aminopolycarboxylic acids
Functional Class: Chelating agent; metal-ion sequestrant
CAS Number: 60-00-4
EC Number: 200-449-4
European Index Number: 607-429-00-8
PubChem CID: 6049
ChEBI Identifier: CHEBI:42191
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₈
Molecular Weight: 292.24 g/mol
Condensed Structural Formula: (HOOCCH₂)₂N–CH₂CH₂–N(CH₂COOH)₂
Systematic Name: 2-[2-[Bis(carboxymethyl)amino]ethyl-(carboxymethyl)amino]acetic acid
Index Name: Glycine, N,N′-1,2-ethanediylbis[N-(carboxymethyl)-
InChIKey: KCXVZYZYPLLWCC-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Physical State: Solid
Appearance: Colorless crystals or white crystalline powder
Odor: Generally odorless
Representative Water Solubility: Approximately 0.4–0.5 g/L at 20°C for the free acid; strongly dependent on solution pH
Melting Behavior: Decomposes on heating; a clean melting point is not consistently established
Representative Decomposition Range: Approximately 220–245°C reported; other documentation gives lower decomposition thresholds depending on conditions
Boiling Point: No established normal boiling point; decomposes before useful distillation
Volatility: Low under ambient conditions
Bulk Density: Grade, particle size, and packing dependent
Flash Point: Not normally applicable to characterization of the solid powder
Dust Hazard: Fine dispersed powder can form explosive mixtures with air
Typical Complex Stoichiometry: One mole of EDTA per mole of metal ion for many common complexes
Coordination Functionality: Up to six donor sites
Primary Industrial Function: Metal-ion complexation
Major Applications: Cleaning formulations, industrial metal-ion control, textile processing, selected bleaching systems, metal treatment, analytical chemistry, and laboratory buffers
Grade Distinctions: Assay, moisture, particle size, trace-metal content, and application-specific quality requirements vary
GHS Classification: Serious Eye Irritation Category 2 commonly reported; some SDSs additionally classify Acute Inhalation Toxicity Category 4 and Specific Target Organ Toxicity—Repeated Exposure Category 2
Hazard Statements: H319—Causes serious eye irritation; H332—Harmful if inhaled and H373—May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure, where applicable
Relevant Target System: Respiratory tract for SDS classifications concerning repeated inhalation
Signal Word: Warning under the classifications described
Environmental Classification: Jurisdiction and supplier dependent; some SDSs include H412—Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents; certain metals and elastomers require compatibility assessment
Hazardous Thermal-Decomposition Products: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide
UN Number: Not assigned in the cited transport classifications
Transport Class: Not regulated as dangerous goods under the cited IMDG and IATA classifications
Packing Group: Not applicable under those classifications
Storage Conditions: Tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location
Shelf Life: Grade, purity, packaging, storage conditions, and manufacturer dependent
Regulatory Suitability: Exact chemical form, grade, intended application, and regional requirements determine suitability
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air and keep them comfortable for breathing.
Seek medical advice for persistent coughing or other symptoms.
Obtain urgent assistance for breathing difficulty or abnormal breathing.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and rinse the skin thoroughly with water.
Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Clean contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eye Contact:
Immediately rinse with gently flowing water for at least 15 minutes, including beneath the eyelids.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to remove.
Obtain medical attention if pain, redness, visual disturbance, or irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse the mouth if the person is conscious.
Do not induce vomiting.
Contact a poison center or physician if symptoms develop or a significant quantity was swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically and obtain details of the exact chemical form.
Assess respiratory symptoms following substantial dust exposure and provide appropriate evaluation of eye exposure.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Avoid generating or breathing EDTA dust.
Prevent contact with eyes and minimize prolonged skin contact.
Use careful transfers and appropriate industrial hygiene.
Wash hands after handling and before eating or drinking.
Engineering Controls:
Use enclosed handling or local exhaust ventilation where powder transfer generates airborne particles.
Keep eyewash and washing facilities accessible.
Design bulk handling equipment to control dust release and accumulation.
Personal Protection:
Wear protective gloves, suitable work clothing, and safety goggles.
Use additional face protection where the task presents a significant exposure risk.
Select protective materials against the supplied grade and any chemicals present in the process.
Respiratory Protection:
Use an appropriate particulate respirator when ventilation cannot adequately control dust exposure.
Select protection through a workplace exposure assessment and use a properly fitted device within the applicable respiratory-protection program.
Fire and Static Control:
Prevent accumulation of combustible dust on equipment and structural surfaces.
Control flames, sparks, hot surfaces, and static discharges in powder-handling areas.
Use equipment suitable for the assessed dust-explosion risk.
Clean with methods that avoid redistributing dust, including a vacuum rated for combustible dust where appropriate.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, dry, ventilated location.
Protect against contamination and excessive heat.
Follow the manufacturer’s storage limits for the supplied grade.
Separate from strong oxidizing agents and food or feed materials.
Material Compatibility:
Assess metals, seals, and other construction materials against the actual formulation.
EDTA-containing solutions can promote metal dissolution, with behavior influenced by pH, oxygen, temperature, and the metal involved.
Neutralization changes the chemical form and should be controlled as a separate formulation operation.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Restrict access and avoid creating airborne dust.
Collect spilled powder carefully using suitable dust-controlled methods.
Place recovered material in closed, labeled containers.
Retain contaminated cleanup liquids for controlled disposal.
Environmental Precautions:
Prevent uncontrolled discharge to drains, soil, groundwater, or surface water.
Consider the identity of any complexed metals when assessing the waste stream.
Metal–EDTA complexes can require treatment different from that used for uncomplexed metals.
Fire Response:
Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or other media appropriate to the surrounding fire and product SDS.
Firefighters should wear suitable protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.
Collect contaminated firefighting water.
Waste Disposal:
Dispose of EDTA, contaminated absorbents, and process residues through authorized waste-management routes.
Determine waste classification from the complete composition, particularly where toxic metals have been complexed.
Do not assume that chelation eliminates the hazards of the bound metal.
