EDTA 2 NA

CAS Number:

6381-92-6 (dihydrate, most common specification). Others include the tetrahydrate (10378-23-1)

Chemical Name: 

Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate. Commonly referred to as EDTA disodium.

Molecular Formula:

C10H14N2Na2O8·2H2O (dihydrate)

Molecular Weight:

372.24 g/mol (dihydrate)

Common Form:

White crystalline powder or granules

Uses:

EDTA-2Na is widely used in fields requiring control of metal ion interference by strongly chelating (sequestering) di- and trivalent metal ions (e.g., Ca²?, Mg²?, Fe²?/³?) in aqueous solutions.

Primary Application Areas:

· Personal Care & Cosmetics: Used as a chelating agent and stabilizer in soaps, shampoos, lotions, etc. It softens water, prevents product discoloration and rancidity (by chelating metal ions that catalyze oxidation), and enhances the efficacy of certain preservatives.

· Industrial Cleaning & Water Treatment: Used as a water softener and metal ion scavenger in boiler water treatment, textile processing, and metal cleaning to prevent scaling and deposits.

· Food Industry: Used as a food additive (INS 386) in canned goods, beverages, etc., for chelating, stabilizing color and flavor, and preservation.

· Pharmaceuticals & Laboratories: Used as an anticoagulant (e.g., EDTA blood collection tubes), an antidote for heavy metal poisoning, and an inhibitor for enzymatic reactions (e.g., DNase inhibitor) in molecular biology.

· Agriculture: Used as a carrier for micronutrients in nutrient solutions and hydroponics to prevent precipitation and ensure plant availability.

What does EDTA-2Na do in a formulation?

• Core Chelating Agent: Its primary function. Forms stable, water-soluble complexes with metal ions.
• Water Softener: Effectively binds calcium and magnesium ions in water, preventing them from reacting with surfactants to form "soap scum," thereby improving the foaming and cleaning efficiency of cleaning products.
• Antioxidant Synergist / Stabilizer: Delays rancidity and product discoloration in fat-containing formulations by chelating metal ions (e.g., iron, copper) that catalyze oxidation reactions.
• Preservative Enhancer: In some formulations, enhances the effectiveness of traditional preservatives (e.g., parabens) by removing metal ions.
• Key Distinction: Compared to EDTA tetrasodium salt, its aqueous solution has a lower pH (~4-6), making it more suitable for acidic to neutral ranges, and it is generally considered less irritating to the skin.

Safety Profile:

· Hazard Classification: Generally considered a low-toxicity, low-irritancy substance. Harmful if ingested in large quantities.

· Ecotoxicity: Not readily biodegradable, persistent in the environment, with potential chronic toxicity risks to aquatic organisms. This is a common major environmental concern for all EDTA salt forms.

· Required PPE: When handling powder, wearing a dust mask, safety glasses, and gloves is recommended to prevent inhalation and contact.

· Disposal: Should be carried out according to local regulations; avoid large-scale discharge into water bodies.

· Important Warning: Under strongly acidic conditions (pH < 2-3), free EDTA acid may precipitate, losing its chelating function.

Technical profile: