Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA)

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Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA)

Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA)

Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA) is a polyaminocarboxylic acid with strong chelating properties. It is a white, crystalline solid or powder that forms stable complexes with metal ions such as calcium, iron, copper, and others. DTPA is widely used in industries such as water treatment, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cosmetics for its ability to sequester metal ions and prevent their undesirable reactions.

Chemically represented as C14H23N3O10, DTPA is a higher analog of EDTA, offering better metal-binding capacity due to its five carboxyl and three amine groups. It is commonly available in acid form or as its sodium or calcium salts.

Applications of DTPA

Water Treatment – Chelating agent to remove metal ions (e.g., Fe, Ca, Mg) in boilers and cooling systems.
Pharmaceuticals – Used in MRI contrast agents (e.g., Gd-DTPA), radiopharmaceuticals, and detox agents for heavy metal poisoning.
Agriculture – Micronutrient fertilizer (Fe-DTPA, Zn-DTPA) to prevent deficiencies in alkaline soils.
Cosmetics – Stabilizer in creams, lotions, and hair care to bind metallic impurities.
Textile Industry – Prevents metal ion interference during dyeing and bleaching.
Paper and Pulp – Chelates metals to prevent degradation of pulp.
Cleaning Products – Enhances effectiveness by binding hard water ions.
Analytical Chemistry – As a titrant and complexing agent for metal analysis.
Oil & Gas – Scale prevention and metal sequestration in extraction fluids.
Food Industry (limited use) – As a stabilizer for metal-sensitive formulations (with regulatory restrictions).

Features & Their Uses

Feature	Use/Advantage
High Chelating Strength	Forms strong, stable complexes with transition and alkaline earth metals
Soluble in Water	Easily mixes in aqueous systems for industrial and lab applications
Broad pH Stability Range	Effective in acidic to mildly alkaline conditions
Available in Salt Forms (Na, Ca)	Allows specific formulation compatibility (e.g., agriculture or pharmaceuticals)
Thermal Stability	Performs well under moderate heat (important for industrial processing)
High Selectivity	Preferential binding with iron, copper, zinc — essential for micronutrient use
Biodegradable (Partial)	More eco-friendly than some alternatives like NTA or EDTA
Extended Shelf Life	Remains stable when stored properly in dry, sealed containers
Non-Volatile	Safe for handling and transport in solid or aqueous solution
Custom Complexing	Can be complexed with specific metals for targeted application (e.g., Fe-DTPA)

Top 10 FAQs: Diethylene Triamine Pentaacetic Acid (DTPA)

What is DTPA used for?
DTPA is mainly used as a chelating agent to bind and remove metal ions in industries like water treatment, agriculture, pharma, and cosmetics.
How does DTPA differ from EDTA?
DTPA has higher metal-binding capacity than EDTA due to more donor atoms, making it more effective in complexation.
Is DTPA safe for human use?
DTPA is used in pharmaceuticals, especially in radiological imaging agents and metal detox treatments, under medical supervision.
Can DTPA be used in agriculture?
Yes, DTPA is commonly chelated with metals like Fe, Zn, Mn to create micronutrient fertilizers, especially effective in alkaline soils.
What are the physical properties of DTPA?
DTPA appears as a white crystalline powder, soluble in water, with a molecular weight of ~393.35 g/mol.
What is Fe-DTPA?
Fe-DTPA is iron chelated with DTPA, used in agriculture to prevent iron chlorosis in plants.
Is DTPA biodegradable?
DTPA is partially biodegradable; though more eco-friendly than NTA, it still requires proper disposal in wastewater systems.
What is the pH range of DTPA stability?
DTPA-metal complexes are stable in a pH range of 4 to 7.5, depending on the metal.
Is DTPA compatible with other chemicals?
Yes, DTPA is compatible with acids, bases, surfactants, and other chelators, but may not be stable in highly oxidizing conditions.
Where can I buy DTPA in bulk?
DTPA is available from chemical suppliers, agrochemical companies, and pharmaceutical raw material dealers, particularly in India, China, Europe, and USA.

Key Points about DTPA

Chemical Formula: C14H23N3O10
Molecular Weight: ~393.35 g/mol
Solubility: Soluble in water
Chelation Power: Strong binding with Fe³?, Cu²?, Zn²?, etc.
Agriculture: Effective micronutrient carrier in high pH soils
Pharmaceutical Grade: Used in contrast agents (e.g., Gadolinium-DTPA)
Cosmetic Use: Prevents discoloration and oxidation due to metal ions
Industrial Use: Water softening, cleaning, textile dyeing
Eco-Sensitive Applications: Better alternative to non-biodegradable chelators
Available Forms: Acid form, sodium salt (Na5DTPA), calcium salt (CaNa3DTPA)