Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is the fully neutralized tetrasodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), more commonly known as Tetrasodium EDTA.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is a highly effective chelating agent that binds di- and trivalent metal ions to form stable, water-soluble complexes.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used extensively across the food, cosmetic, cleaning, and industrial water-treatment sectors as a sequestrant, stabilizer, and preservation-system booster.
CAS Number: 64-02-8
EC Number: 200-573-9
Molecular Formula: C10H12N2Na4O8
Molecular Weight: 380.17 g/mol
Synonyms: Tetrasodium EDTA, EDTA Tetrasodium, EDTA Tetrasodium Salt, Sodium Edetate, Edetate Sodium, Tetrasodium Edetate, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Tetrasodium Salt, Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid Tetrasodium Salt, Sodium EDTA, EDTA Sodium, Na4EDTA, EDTA-4Na, EDTA-Na4, VERSENE, Versene 100, Versene 220, Sequestrene, Sequestrene Na4, Aquamollin, Tetra-Sodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, EDTA, Tetrasodium, Ethylenebis(iminodiacetic acid) Tetrasodium Salt, Ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-Tetraacetic Acid Tetrasodium Salt, TEA-EDTA (Related Amine Salt Family), UNII-MP1J8420LU, PubChem CID 6144
APPLICATIONS
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in food processing to bind trace metal ions that would otherwise catalyze oxidation, rancidity, and discoloration.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is added to canned and bottled foods, sauces, dressings, and mayonnaise-type products to preserve color, flavor, and texture during storage.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is incorporated into carbonated and non-carbonated beverages to prevent metal-catalyzed clouding, haze formation, and off-flavor development.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used at defined maximum-use levels in accordance with applicable food-additive regulations in each jurisdiction.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is widely used in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and liquid soaps to improve foaming performance in hard water.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is incorporated into skin creams, lotions, and antiperspirant formulations to stabilize emulsions and reduce yellowing caused by trace iron.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in eye-area and rinse-off cosmetic products, where it also functions as a preservation-system booster by limiting metal-dependent microbial growth factors.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is typically formulated at concentrations of 0.5% or less in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in industrial and household cleaning products to soften hard water and enhance detergent and surfactant efficiency.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is applied in metal cleaning, descaling, and passivation operations to dissolve mineral scale and metal-oxide deposits.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in textile processing to improve dye uptake and prevent metal-ion interference during scouring and bleaching.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in phosphate-restricted detergent formulations as an alternative water-conditioning builder in some regions.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in boiler and cooling-water treatment to control scale formation from calcium and magnesium ions.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is applied in pulp and paper manufacturing to protect hydrogen-peroxide bleaching stages from metal-catalyzed decomposition.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in photographic processing solutions to chelate metal impurities and stabilize development chemistry.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in engine-coolant and antifreeze flush formulations, typically at concentrations around 6%, to control corrosion from dissolved metal ions.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in agricultural micronutrient formulations to deliver metal ions such as iron and zinc to plants in a bioavailable, chelated form.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is applied in phytoremediation research to mobilize heavy metals from contaminated soils into harvestable plant tissue for subsequent disposal.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in oilfield and industrial water systems to prevent scale deposition in pipelines and processing equipment.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in latex and rubber production to stabilize emulsions against metal-induced coagulation.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in molecular biology and laboratory settings as a component of buffers that inhibit metal-dependent enzymatic activity, including nucleases.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is applied in blood-collection tubes and anticoagulant applications due to its strong calcium-chelating capacity.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in electroplating and metal-finishing baths to control free metal-ion concentration and improve deposit uniformity.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in pharmaceutical formulations, including injectables and ophthalmic products, as a stabilizing excipient and preservative potentiator.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in clinical medicine as a treatment for heavy-metal poisoning and hypercalcemia, in pharmaceutical-grade forms and under medical supervision.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used in environmental and analytical chemistry as a reference chelating agent in water-hardness titrations.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is used according to the grade, purity, and regulatory status appropriate to the intended food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or industrial application.
DESCRIPTION
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is a white to off-white crystalline solid or granular powder that is freely soluble in water.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is chemically the fully neutralized tetrasodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, formed by reacting EDTA with four equivalents of sodium hydroxide or an equivalent sodium base.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt contains four carboxymethyl groups and two tertiary amine nitrogens arranged around a central ethylenediamine backbone, giving it hexadentate chelating capability.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt forms highly stable, water-soluble complexes with divalent and trivalent metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc through simultaneous coordination at multiple donor sites.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is manufactured industrially, most commonly by cyanomethylation of ethylenediamine with sodium cyanide and formaldehyde, followed by neutralization, crystallization, and drying.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt exhibits high solubility in water, with solubility increasing with temperature, while it remains essentially insoluble in most common organic solvents.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is chemically stable under normal storage and use conditions but can be affected by strongly acidic environments, which promote conversion to less soluble, protonated forms of EDTA.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is hygroscopic and can absorb atmospheric moisture, so it is typically packaged in moisture-resistant containers.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt produces alkaline solutions in water, with pH typically ranging from about 10 to 12 depending on concentration.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is available in anhydrous and hydrated forms, including dihydrate and tetrahydrate variants, which differ slightly in molecular weight and handling behavior.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is generally recognized as safe for its approved uses, with an oral LD50 in rats reported above 2,000 mg/kg, indicating low acute toxicity.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is insignificantly absorbed through intact skin and is rapidly eliminated from the body when systemic absorption does occur.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic at typical exposure levels, though very high oral doses in animal studies have been associated with reproductive and developmental effects linked to depletion of essential minerals such as zinc.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is classified as corrosive and eye-irritating at concentrated levels, and concentrated solutions can cause serious eye damage on direct contact.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is recognized as poorly biodegradable under standard aerobic biodegradation tests, with less than 50% degradation typically observed after 28 days.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is considered persistent in surface waters and soils, with reported surface-water half-lives on the order of 10 to 20 days, though it is not expected to bioaccumulate due to its ionic nature and low lipophilicity.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt can contribute to the remobilization of heavy metals bound in contaminated sediments, which is a recognized area of environmental concern for this class of chelating agents.
Glycine, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis[N-(Carboxymethyl)-], Tetrasodium Salt is supplied in various purity and particle-size grades to meet the requirements of food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C10H12N2Na4O8
Molecular Weight: 380.17 g/mol
Common Name: Tetrasodium EDTA
CAS Number: 64-02-8
EC Number: 200-573-9
UNII: MP1J8420LU
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Freely soluble in water; practically insoluble in common organic solvents
Melting Point: Decomposes above 250°C
pH (1% aqueous solution): Approximately 10.0–11.5
Density: Approximately 1.4 g/cm³ (bulk, approximate)
Flash Point: Not applicable (non-flammable solid)
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic; incompatible with strong acids and oxidizers
Acute Oral Toxicity: LD50 (rat) reported above 2,000 mg/kg
GHS Classification: Acute Tox. 4 (oral), Eye Dam. 1
GHS Signal Word: Danger
GHS Hazard Statements: H302 (Harmful if Swallowed), H318 (Causes Serious Eye Damage)
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic at typical exposure levels
Biodegradability: Poorly biodegradable; less than 50% degradation under standard OECD aerobic tests after 28 days
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low, due to ionic character and low lipophilicity
Environmental Persistence: Considered persistent in surface waters and soils; reported surface-water half-life of approximately 10–20 days
Regulatory Status: Approved food additive and cosmetic ingredient in numerous jurisdictions, subject to defined maximum-use levels
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, in a dry, well-sealed container
Shelf Life: 24–36 months in original sealed packaging
FIRST AID
Inhalation
Remove to fresh air immediately if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if coughing or respiratory irritation persists.
Keep the affected person at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
Skin Contact
Wash immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contaminated clothing and shoes before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation, redness, or a burning sensation develops.
Eye Contact
Rinse immediately and thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, including under the eyelids.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do so, then continue rinsing.
Seek immediate medical attention, as this substance can cause serious eye damage.
Ingestion
Rinse mouth thoroughly with water; do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately if a significant quantity has been swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians
Treat symptomatically and provide supportive care.
Monitor for hypocalcemia and depletion of essential trace minerals in cases of significant or repeated systemic exposure, given the substance's strong metal-chelating properties.
Provide supportive care and observe the patient for delayed effects.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, safety goggles or a face shield, and protective clothing.
Avoid generating and inhaling dust during handling and transfer operations.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Engineering Controls
Use enclosed transfer or contained weighing systems whenever practical.
Provide effective local exhaust ventilation at weighing, charging, blending, and packaging points to control airborne dust levels.
Personal Protection
Wear chemical-resistant gloves and tightly fitting chemical safety goggles when handling concentrated material or solutions.
Provide a face shield where splashing or significant dust dispersion is possible.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from strong acids, oxidizing agents, and incompatible metals.
Keep containers tightly closed and properly labeled at all times.
Protect from moisture, as the material is hygroscopic and may cake or clump if exposed to humid air.
Material Compatibility
Avoid prolonged contact with strong acids and oxidizing agents, which may result in hazardous reactions or the release of irritating byproducts.
Use containers and transfer equipment constructed of materials demonstrated to be compatible with concentrated chelating-agent solutions.
Spill and Leak Procedures
Sweep or vacuum up spilled material carefully to avoid generating dust, and place in a suitable container for disposal.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes during clean-up operations.
Prevent the material from entering drains, soil, groundwater, and surface water, given its recognized environmental persistence.
Decontamination
Clean spill areas with water to remove residue, avoiding dry sweeping methods that generate dust.
Place contaminated absorbents and cleaning materials in labeled waste containers for disposal.
Handling Precautions
Handle only in areas equipped with appropriate safety and containment measures.
Maintain good industrial hygiene practices throughout handling and processing.
Dispose of collected material and waste in accordance with local, regional, and national environmental and chemical-waste regulations.