Tetrasodium EDTA

Tetrasodium EDTA

Structural formula of Tetrasodium EDTA

Tetrasodium EDTA is a sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a chelating agent that is widely used in various industrial and medical applications. It is a white, water-soluble solid that is commonly used to sequester metal ions in aqueous solutions.

Chemical Properties

Tetrasodium EDTA has the chemical formula C__H__N_Na_O_ and a molar mass of 380.17 g/mol. It is a derivative of EDTA, which is a polyamino carboxylic acid. The tetrasodium form is the sodium salt, which makes it more soluble in water compared to the acid form.

Applications

Tetrasodium EDTA is used in a variety of applications due to its ability to bind metal ions. Some of the key applications include:

Industrial Applications

• Water Treatment: It is used to soften water by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions, which are responsible for water hardness.
• Detergents and Cleaners: Tetrasodium EDTA is added to detergents to enhance their cleaning efficiency by binding metal ions that could otherwise interfere with the cleaning process.

Medical Applications

• Pharmaceuticals: It is used as a preservative and stabilizer in various pharmaceutical formulations.
• Cosmetics: In the cosmetic industry, tetrasodium EDTA is used to improve the stability and appearance of products by preventing metal ion contamination.

Safety and Environmental Impact

Tetrasodium EDTA is generally considered safe for use in the concentrations typically found in consumer products. However, it can have environmental impacts if released in large quantities, as it can bind to metal ions in the environment and affect aquatic life.

Related Compounds

• Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
• Disodium EDTA
• Calcium disodium EDTA

See Also

• Chelation therapy
• Water softening
• Metal ion sequestration

Related Pages

• Chelating agents
• Sodium compounds
• Industrial chemicals