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DESCRIPTION
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate (EDDS) is a biodegradable chelating agent commonly used in various industries as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chelators like EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).
Its primary function is to bind metal ions, preventing them from interfering in chemical reactions or forming undesirable precipitates.
Cas Number: 178949-82-1
SYNONYMS
Ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid trisodium salt,EDDS trisodium salt,Trisodium EDDS,Ethylenediamine disuccinate,Trisodium ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinate,Chelating agent EDDS
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate (EDDS) is a biodegradable chelating agent that has gained significant interest in recent years due to its environmentally friendly properties and versatile applications.
This article provides a detailed review of the chemistry, synthesis, properties, applications, and environmental implications of EDDS.
Emphasis is placed on its utility in various industrial processes, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment.
The review concludes by discussing future perspectives and the potential of EDDS to replace traditional chelating agents in sustainable practices.
Introduction
Chelating agents are compounds capable of binding to metal ions, forming stable complexes.
These agents play critical roles in industries such as agriculture, medicine, and water treatment. However, many traditional chelating agents, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), are non-biodegradable and persist in the environment, raising concerns over their ecological impacts.
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate (EDDS) emerges as a sustainable alternative, offering similar chelating capabilities with enhanced biodegradability.
Importance of Chelating Agents
Chelating agents are indispensable in numerous industrial and environmental processes.
Their ability to stabilize metal ions prevents unwanted reactions, enhances process efficiency, and ensures product quality.
However, traditional chelators, while effective, contribute to environmental pollution due to their persistence and bioaccumulation.
Objectives of the Review
This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of EDDS, exploring its synthesis, physicochemical properties, and applications across various sectors.
The discussion extends to its environmental benefits and potential challenges, offering insights into its role as a sustainable chelating agent.
Chemistry and Synthesis of EDDS
Chemical Structure and Properties
EDDS is an aminopolycarboxylic acid with the molecular formula C10H13N2Na3O8.
It features two succinic acid moieties linked via an ethylenediamine backbone.
The trisodium salt form is commonly used due to its high solubility in water.
Key Properties:
Molecular weight: 358.2 g/mol
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, with a solubility range of 300-500 g/L, depending on temperature.
pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline in aqueous solutions, typically ranging from 7.0 to 9.0.
Stability: Stable under a wide range of pH and temperature conditions, with minimal decomposition in neutral and alkaline environments.
Synthesis
EDDS is synthesized through the reaction of ethylenediamine with maleic anhydride or fumaric acid, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide.
The stereochemistry of EDDS is crucial, as it exists in three stereoisomeric forms: (S,S), (R,R), and (R,S).
Among these, the (S,S)-isomer exhibits superior biodegradability and chelation efficiency.
Reaction Mechanism:
Formation of an intermediate: Ethylenediamine reacts with maleic anhydride to form a succinimide intermediate.
This step is temperature-sensitive and typically occurs under controlled conditions to prevent side reactions.
Hydrolysis: The intermediate undergoes hydrolysis to yield disodium ethylenediamine disuccinate.
The reaction is catalyzed by water and requires precise pH control to ensure complete hydrolysis.
Neutralization: Sodium hydroxide is added to neutralize the compound, resulting in trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate.
The pH is carefully adjusted to achieve the desired trisodium salt form.
Optimization of Synthesis:
Research has focused on optimizing the synthesis of EDDS to improve yield and reduce costs.
Advances in catalytic processes, solvent selection, and reaction conditions have been explored to enhance efficiency.
Applications of EDDS
Industrial Applications
Metal Cleaning and Recovery
EDDS forms stable complexes with heavy metals such as iron, copper, and nickel.
This property makes it ideal for industrial cleaning applications, including metal surface treatment and electronic component cleaning.
Additionally, it facilitates the recovery of valuable metals from industrial waste streams, contributing to circular economy practices.
Detergents
As a biodegradable alternative to EDTA, EDDS is increasingly used in detergent formulations to enhance cleaning efficiency and prevent scale formation.
Its ability to chelate calcium and magnesium ions improves the performance of detergents in hard water conditions, making it an essential component in modern cleaning products.
Agriculture
Micronutrient Delivery
In agriculture, EDDS enhances the bioavailability of essential micronutrients like iron and zinc in soil.
Its biodegradability ensures minimal environmental impact, making it suitable for sustainable farming practices.
EDDS-based fertilizers are particularly effective in alkaline soils, where traditional chelators often fail.
Phytoremediation
EDDS has shown promise in facilitating the uptake of heavy metals by plants in contaminated soils.
This application is particularly relevant in the remediation of polluted environments.
The use of EDDS in phytoremediation enhances the efficiency of metal extraction without introducing persistent pollutants into the ecosystem.
Pharmaceuticals
EDDS serves as a stabilizing agent in pharmaceutical formulations, particularly in products requiring metal ion control.
Its safety profile and biodegradability are key advantages in this sector.
Applications include the stabilization of vitamin formulations, enhancement of drug solubility, and prevention of oxidative degradation in metal-sensitive compounds.
Water Treatment
In water treatment, EDDS is used to sequester heavy metals and improve water quality.
Its rapid biodegradability reduces the risk of environmental accumulation, making it an eco-friendly choice for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. EDDS is particularly effective in removing lead, cadmium, and other toxic metals from contaminated water sources.
Environmental Implications
Biodegradability
The (S,S)-isomer of EDDS is readily biodegradable under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Studies have demonstrated its degradation into non-toxic byproducts within a short time frame, minimizing ecological risks.
Laboratory and field studies confirm its complete mineralization in various environmental settings.
Ecotoxicity
Unlike conventional chelating agents, EDDS exhibits low ecotoxicity.
It does not bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms, further underscoring its environmental compatibility. Ecotoxicological studies indicate minimal adverse effects on aquatic and terrestrial species, even at high concentrations.
Soil and Water Applications
The use of EDDS in agriculture and water treatment contributes to reducing metal toxicity and promoting soil health.
However, its performance in highly contaminated environments requires further investigation.
Studies on its interaction with soil microorganisms, long-term effects on soil fertility, and impact on groundwater quality are ongoing.
Challenges and Future Directions
Cost and Scalability
Despite its benefits, the production cost of EDDS remains higher than traditional chelating agents.
Advances in synthesis methods and economies of scale are needed to reduce costs.
Research into alternative raw materials and green synthesis pathways holds promise for cost reduction.
Research Gaps
Further research is required to optimize the performance of EDDS in various applications.
Studies on its long-term environmental impact, interaction with different soil types, and compatibility with other chemicals are critical.
Additionally, exploring its potential in emerging fields, such as nanotechnology and biomedical applications, could unlock new opportunities.
Regulatory Considerations
The adoption of EDDS is influenced by regulatory frameworks promoting the use of biodegradable chemicals.
Harmonizing global regulations will accelerate its acceptance and usage.
Policies incentivizing the use of sustainable chelating agents in industries and agriculture can further drive demand for EDDS.
Conclusion
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate (EDDS) represents a promising advancement in the quest for sustainable chelating agents.
Its biodegradability, efficacy, and low environmental impact position it as an ideal substitute for traditional chelators.
By addressing current challenges and expanding research, EDDS has the potential to play a pivotal role in promoting eco-friendly practices across industries.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE
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
