Quick Search
Tetrasodium EDTA is the fully neutralized sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, an aminopolycarboxylate chelating agent.
Tetrasodium EDTA dissolves readily in water to produce alkaline solutions capable of complexing calcium, magnesium, and many transition-metal ions.
Tetrasodium EDTA serves principally as a metal-ion sequestrant in detergents, industrial cleaning, metal treatment, 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: 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, glycine N,N′-1,2-ethanediylbis[N-(carboxymethyl)- sodium salt (1:4), 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
The identification terms include chemical names, accepted abbreviations, registry identifiers, and broader functional descriptions.
Names such as sodium edetate require confirmation of the sodium stoichiometry because other sodium salts of EDTA are distinct substances.
APPLICATIONS
Tetrasodium EDTA contributes to household detergent formulations by complexing calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water.
Tetrasodium EDTA helps reduce hardness-related interference with compatible surfactants and other cleaning ingredients.
Additionally, Tetrasodium EDTA limits the availability of metal ions that contribute to insoluble residues and deposits.
Tetrasodium EDTA performance depends on the concentration of hardness ions, the amount of available chelant, and the complete detergent formulation.
Tetrasodium EDTA supports industrial and institutional cleaners intended to control mineral contamination and remove selected metal-containing deposits.
Tetrasodium EDTA stabilizes dissolved metal ions as soluble complexes, helping prevent their immediate reprecipitation.
Moreover, Tetrasodium EDTA can enhance cleaning efficiency in appropriately formulated alkaline aqueous systems.
Tetrasodium EDTA keeps complexed metals in solution, so subsequent treatment must address the resulting metal-containing cleaning liquor.
Tetrasodium EDTA functions as a complexing ingredient in selected electroplating and metal-surface-treatment formulations.
Tetrasodium EDTA controls free metal-ion activity through the formation of coordination complexes.
In addition, Tetrasodium EDTA allows certain metal ions to remain dissolved under conditions where uncomplexed salts could precipitate.
Tetrasodium EDTA selection for plating depends on the metal, bath chemistry, impurity tolerance, and compatibility with downstream wastewater treatment.
Tetrasodium EDTA contributes to selected textile-processing baths where hardness ions and transition-metal contamination interfere with treatment.
Tetrasodium EDTA helps control metal-associated deposits during compatible washing, scouring, and dyeing operations.
Additionally, Tetrasodium EDTA provides a readily soluble source of EDTA ligand for alkaline aqueous processing.
Tetrasodium EDTA compatibility must be evaluated against the dyes, fibers, oxidants, and other ingredients present in the treatment bath.
Tetrasodium EDTA participates in selected pulp and paper processes that require control of unwanted metal ions.
Tetrasodium EDTA complexes metals capable of promoting undesirable hydrogen-peroxide decomposition under suitable bleaching conditions.
Moreover, Tetrasodium EDTA can support bleaching efficiency when incorporated into an appropriate metal-management sequence.
Tetrasodium EDTA process compatibility does not establish universal suitability for storage with concentrated oxidants or incorporation into every bleach formulation.
Tetrasodium EDTA serves as a chelating ingredient in selected soaps, shampoos, cleansers, and skin-care formulations.
Tetrasodium EDTA helps control trace metals that can contribute to discoloration, instability, or undesirable interactions between ingredients.
In addition, Tetrasodium EDTA introduces alkalinity, which must be considered when establishing the finished formulation’s pH.
Tetrasodium EDTA cosmetic suitability depends on the exact grade, impurity profile, concentration, finished-product assessment, and applicable regional requirements.
Tetrasodium EDTA appears in selected paints, coatings, printing inks, and dye-related formulations as a metal-ion complexing ingredient.
Tetrasodium EDTA can help control adventitious metal ions where their presence adversely affects the formulation.
Additionally, Tetrasodium EDTA introduces both sodium ions and an alkaline chelant, making compatibility with binders and dispersions important.
Tetrasodium EDTA requires application-specific evaluation because excessive chelation or electrolyte loading can alter systems that depend on metal ions or colloidal stability.
Tetrasodium EDTA provides a soluble chelating reagent for selected biochemical and analytical laboratory preparations.
Tetrasodium EDTA can inhibit metal-dependent enzymes by binding essential metal cofactors, including zinc or calcium.
Moreover, Tetrasodium EDTA supports metal-complexation studies and other chemical procedures when its sodium content and solution pH are acceptable.
Tetrasodium EDTA laboratory preparations require appropriate pH adjustment and purity control, and chelant carryover can interfere with subsequent metal-dependent reactions.
Tetrasodium EDTA is incorporated into selected specialized catheter-lock formulations evaluated and used in clinical settings.
Tetrasodium EDTA provides metal-chelating activity within these specifically developed medical preparations.
In addition, Tetrasodium EDTA clinical applications depend on the complete sterile formulation, intended device use, and jurisdiction-specific regulatory status.
Tetrasodium EDTA technical powder or industrial solution cannot be substituted for a qualified medical preparation or treated as interchangeable with other therapeutic EDTA salts.
DESCRIPTION
Tetrasodium EDTA contains four sodium counterions associated with the fully neutralized EDTA ligand.
Tetrasodium EDTA retains the ethylenediamine backbone and four carboxymethyl groups responsible for metal coordination.
Additionally, Tetrasodium EDTA supplies a ligand with up to six donor sites through two nitrogen atoms and four carboxylate groups.
Tetrasodium EDTA commonly forms one-to-one complexes with metal ions, although complex stability depends on the metal and solution conditions.
Tetrasodium EDTA solid grades generally appear as white to slightly yellowish crystalline powders.
Tetrasodium EDTA is readily water-soluble and produces alkaline aqueous solutions.
Moreover, Tetrasodium EDTA commercial powders can absorb moisture, affecting handling, caking, and the relationship between product mass and active content.
Tetrasodium EDTA solution properties must be specified with the concentration, temperature, and grade rather than assigned to every product sold under the name.
Tetrasodium EDTA is commercially available as anhydrous material, defined hydrates, variable-water-content powders, and aqueous solutions.
Tetrasodium EDTA has an anhydrous molecular weight of 380.17 g/mol, while water of crystallization increases the molecular weight of defined hydrates.
In addition, Tetrasodium EDTA assay may be reported on an anhydrous salt basis or as an EDTA free-acid equivalent.
Tetrasodium EDTA grade comparisons therefore require confirmation of the assay basis, water content, and any residual alkalinity or manufacturing impurities.
Tetrasodium EDTA complexation changes with pH because dissolved EDTA species undergo protonation and deprotonation.
Tetrasodium EDTA can maintain certain metals in solution and thereby influence precipitation, deposit dissolution, and metal-surface behavior.
Additionally, Tetrasodium EDTA remains stable under recommended ambient storage conditions but decomposes when sufficiently heated.
Tetrasodium EDTA should be separated from incompatible oxidants, and construction-material compatibility must be assessed for the actual aqueous formulation.
Tetrasodium EDTA concentrated grades can cause serious eye damage and may be classified as harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
Tetrasodium EDTA hazard classifications differ between products and jurisdictions, with some powder SDSs also identifying respiratory effects from repeated inhalation.
Moreover, Tetrasodium EDTA does not meet standard ready-biodegradability criteria, although degradation can occur under suitable conditions.
Tetrasodium EDTA handling and environmental management must follow the current regional supplier SDS and account for any metals present in the process waste.
PROPERTIES
Product Name: Tetrasodium EDTA
Common 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 salt 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 grade, hydration, temperature, and reporting basis
Representative Solution pH: Approximately 11.5 for a 1% aqueous preparation at 23°C in a published commercial grade
Representative Bulk Density: Approximately 690 kg/m³ for a published commercial powder; particle size and packing dependent
Melting Behavior: Decomposition accompanies high-temperature behavior; no universal clean melting point
Boiling Point: Not applicable as a 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 the solid powder
Dust Hazard: Some powder grades can form explosive dust–air mixtures under suitable conditions
Typical Complex Stoichiometry: One mole of EDTA ligand per mole of metal ion for many common complexes
Coordination Functionality: Up to six donor sites
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; additional 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 classified 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 use, 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.
Assess eye injury and respiratory symptoms according to the route and extent of exposure.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Avoid breathing 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 suitable 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 by that assessment.
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.
Suitable stainless steels or compatible plastics may be selected following 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 removes the hazards of the metal-containing waste.
