MGDA 3 NA

CAS Number:

164462-16-2 (anhydrous form)

Chemical / INCI Name:

Trisodium Methylglycinediacetate

Molecular Formula:

C7H7NO6Na3

Molecular Weight:

271.11 g/mol (anhydrous)

Common Form:

Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid (typically ~40% aqueous solution) or a white powder (solid form)

Uses:

MGDA is a strong, readily biodegradable chelating agent valued for its effectiveness across a wide pH range and in high-temperature applications.

Primary Applications:

· Detergents & Cleaners: A key builder in automatic dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents, and industrial cleaners. It effectively softens hard water and prevents scale (limescale) on dishes, fabrics, and appliances.

· Personal Care: Used in soaps, shampoos, and liquid cleansers to improve performance in hard water and stabilize formulations.

· Pulp & Paper Industry: Used in bleaching processes to deactivate metal ions that could degrade bleaching agents.

· Industrial Cleaning & Water Treatment: Effective in circuit board cleaning, metal surface treatment, and controlling metal ions in cooling water systems.

· Agriculture: Serves as a carrier for micronutrients in fertilizers.

What does Trisodium MGDA do in a formulation?

• Powerful Chelating Agent & Builder: Its core function is to bind and deactivate hardness ions (Ca²?, Mg²?) and heavy metals (Fe³?, Cu²?). This prevents negative interactions in cleaning processes.
• Scale Inhibitor: Prevents the precipitation and deposition of calcium and magnesium salts (limescale), which is critical for appliance protection.
• Stabilizer & Performance Booster: Protects active ingredients (like enzymes, bleach, surfactants) from being deactivated by metal ions, thereby enhancing overall cleaning efficacy.
• Key Differentiator: Maintains excellent chelating strength across a broad pH range (highly effective even under alkaline conditions) and has good thermal stability.

Safety Profile:

· Hazard Classification: Generally considered to have low toxicity. It is classified as non-hazardous or as causing mild eye/skin irritation at commercial solution concentrations, depending on the specific formulation. Always consult the product's SDS.

· Skin/Eye Exposure: Solutions may cause mild, transient eye or skin irritation. Standard first aid (flushing with water) is recommended.

· Environmental Profile: Readily biodegradable (meeting OECD criteria, >60% in 28 days) and exhibits low ecotoxicity, making it an environmentally sound choice.

· Required PPE: Safety glasses and gloves are recommended for routine industrial handling to prevent prolonged contact.

· Storage: Store liquid solutions in sealed containers at temperatures above their freezing point (often around -5°C for 40% solutions) to prevent crystallization.

Technical profile: