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Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-2Na) is a widely used chelating agent.
It is the disodium salt form of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and it is commonly utilized in various industries for its ability to bind to metal ions, making them more soluble and less reactive.
EDTA-2Na is commonly found in cleaning agents, water treatment chemicals, and as a stabilizer in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
CAS Number: 6381-92-6
Synonyms:
EDTA Disodium Salt,Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate,Ethylenediaminetetraacetate Disodium Salt,EDTA-2Na,2-Na-EDTA
Introduction
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Disodium Salt (EDTA 2Na) is one of the most widely used chelating agents in various industries, healthcare, and environmental applications.
As a chelator, EDTA binds to metal ions, effectively "trapping" them, which can be critical for various chemical processes, water treatment systems, agricultural uses, and pharmaceuticals.
This compound, often simply referred to as EDTA or EDTA disodium salt, is the disodium salt form of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
The term chelation comes from the Greek word “chēlē,” meaning “claw,” which symbolizes how EDTA “claws” or binds to metal ions.
EDTA 2Na was first synthesized in the 1930s, and over the years, it has become an integral part of industries such as agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental science.
It has wide-ranging applications due to its ability to prevent metal ion-related reactions, stabilize solutions, and even aid in the removal of heavy metals from biological systems.
This article explores the chemical properties, production methods, applications, benefits, environmental impact, and safety considerations associated with EDTA 2Na.
Chemical Properties of EDTA 2Na
EDTA 2Na is the disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
Its chemical formula is C10H14N2Na2O8.
The molecule consists of an ethylenediamine backbone (C2H4N2) with four carboxylate groups (COOH) attached to it, which can each bind to a metal ion.
The disodium salt form of EDTA occurs when two of these carboxylate groups are neutralized by sodium ions (Na+), making the molecule more soluble in water.
Molecular Structure:
The structure of EDTA 2Na is often depicted as a chelate where the ethylenediamine acts as a bidentate ligand (able to form two bonds to a metal atom), while the four carboxylate groups provide additional points for binding.
The complex structure allows EDTA to form chelate rings with metal ions, which is crucial for its function as a chelating agent.
Solubility:
EDTA disodium salt is highly soluble in water.
This property is essential because it allows EDTA to efficiently bind metal ions in aqueous solutions, making it an ideal choice for use in water treatment, biological systems, and industrial processes that require the removal or regulation of metal ions.
pH and Stability:
The pH of a solution containing EDTA 2Na typically falls between 5 and 7, depending on concentration.
EDTA 2Na remains stable under a wide range of pH levels, which is a significant advantage in many applications where maintaining stability is crucial.
It is more stable in alkaline conditions than its acidic counterparts, and its stability enhances its utility in industrial and pharmaceutical settings.
Physical Properties: EDTA 2Na is a white, crystalline powder that is odorless and hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air).
It typically exists as a crystalline solid in its pure form and is highly soluble in water, forming a clear solution.
Production Methods of EDTA 2Na
EDTA 2Na is produced through a multi-step process.
The primary raw materials used in its production include ethylenediamine and chloroacetic acid.
The manufacturing process typically involves the following stages:
Synthesis of EDTA: The synthesis begins with the reaction of ethylenediamine with chloroacetic acid.
In the first step, ethylenediamine is reacted with chloroacetic acid (ClCH2COOH) in a controlled process to form ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
The reaction is carried out under alkaline conditions to ensure that all carboxylic groups are formed.
Formation of Disodium Salt: In the second stage, the EDTA is neutralized with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) to form EDTA disodium salt (EDTA 2Na).
The disodium salt form is more soluble in water than the parent acid, which is why this form is preferred for most applications.
Purification: The crude EDTA disodium salt is then purified through recrystallization techniques, ensuring that the final product is free of impurities.
This ensures that the chelating agent has the desired properties for its various uses.
Drying and Packaging: After purification, EDTA 2Na is dried to remove any residual moisture and then packaged for commercial use.
The final product is a fine, white powder that can be used as-is or dissolved into aqueous solutions depending on its intended application.
Applications of EDTA 2Na
EDTA 2Na is utilized in a broad spectrum of applications across various fields.
Its ability to bind metal ions makes it invaluable in processes where metal ion concentration needs to be controlled, removed, or stabilized.
Water Treatment: One of the most common uses of EDTA 2Na is in water treatment systems, particularly for softening hard water.
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, which cause scaling and reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.
EDTA 2Na binds to these metal ions, preventing them from forming insoluble salts and thus effectively softening water.
Agriculture: In agricultural applications, EDTA 2Na is used as a component in fertilizers and plant growth mediums.
It can chelate essential nutrients, particularly micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese, making them more available to plants.
This prevents nutrient deficiencies and enhances plant growth.
Pharmaceuticals and Medicine: EDTA 2Na is also used in the medical field for chelation therapy.
In this context, it is used to treat heavy metal poisoning, such as lead or mercury toxicity.
EDTA binds to the heavy metal ions in the body, allowing them to be excreted through urine.
It has also been used in diagnostics and as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes to prevent clotting.
Industrial Applications: In various industrial processes, EDTA 2Na is used to prevent the formation of metal ion precipitates in solutions.
It is used in cleaning agents, cosmetics, and as a stabilizer in the food industry to prevent oxidation reactions caused by metal ions.
Biotechnology: EDTA 2Na plays a crucial role in biotechnology, especially in the preparation of solutions for molecular biology applications.
It is commonly used in buffer solutions for DNA extraction and PCR amplification because it binds to divalent metal ions such as magnesium, which are necessary for the activity of nucleases.
By sequestering these ions, EDTA prevents unwanted nuclease activity and protects the DNA.
Benefits and Drawbacks of EDTA 2Na
Benefits:
Versatility: EDTA 2Na is a highly versatile chelating agent, useful in a wide range of applications from industrial to pharmaceutical.
Effectiveness: It is highly effective at binding a broad spectrum of metal ions, which makes it an ideal agent for applications that require metal ion sequestration.
Non-toxicity: In its disodium form, EDTA 2Na is relatively non-toxic, especially when compared to other chelating agents, making it safer for human use in medical applications.
Drawbacks:
Environmental Impact: The persistence of EDTA 2Na in the environment is a concern. Since it is not readily biodegradable, EDTA can persist in aquatic environments and potentially disrupt ecosystems by forming stable complexes with essential trace metals.
High Cost: The production of EDTA 2Na involves several chemical steps, which can contribute to high costs for certain applications, especially in large-scale industrial use.
Environmental Impact and Management
The environmental impact of EDTA 2Na is a subject of ongoing research, especially due to its widespread use in water treatment and industrial processes.
While EDTA 2Na itself is relatively safe, its interaction with metal ions can lead to environmental concerns:
Persistence in Water Systems: Once EDTA enters a water system, it can persist for extended periods. It can sequester essential trace metals from water, affecting aquatic organisms that rely on those metals for various biological processes.
Bioaccumulation: In certain cases, EDTA complexes can be absorbed by organisms in aquatic ecosystems, potentially leading to bioaccumulation of harmful metal ions.
To mitigate these impacts, researchers are exploring more environmentally friendly alternatives to EDTA 2Na and methods for breaking down EDTA in wastewater.
Conclusion
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Disodium Salt (EDTA 2Na) remains a cornerstone in various fields such as water treatment, agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine.
Its ability to form stable complexes with metal ions has made it indispensable in industrial applications, healthcare, and environmental science.
However, the environmental concerns associated with its persistence and its impact on ecosystems highlight the need for ongoing research into more sustainable alternatives.
The continued use and research into EDTA 2Na demonstrate its importance, but it also emphasizes the need to balance technological advancements with environmental responsibility.
Through proper management, EDTA 2Na can remain a valuable tool in multiple industries, providing benefits that enhance our ability to manage metal ions effectively across various systems.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT ETHYLENEDIAMINETETRAACETIC ACID DISODIUM SALT
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
