EDTA Tetrasodium Salt

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EDTA Tetrasodium Salt

EDTA Tetrasodium Salt

EDTA Tetrasodium Salt – Description

EDTA Tetrasodium Salt, also known as Tetrasodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, is a white, water-soluble crystalline powder or granule. It is the tetrasodium salt of EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), a powerful chelating agent that binds metal ions like calcium, magnesium, iron, and more. EDTA Tetrasodium Salt is widely used in industrial cleaning, water treatment, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, and laboratory research due to its ability to sequester and control metal ions in aqueous solutions.

Key Features & Uses

Feature	Use
Strong chelating agent	Binds metal ions (Ca²?, Mg²?, Fe³?), preventing unwanted reactions
High solubility in water	Easily dissolves for solution-based applications
Alkaline pH (around 10–11)	Useful in cleaning formulations and detergents
Metal ion control	Enhances stability in formulations, especially in cosmetics & pharma
Biodegradable under certain conditions	Environmentally preferable for industrial wastewater treatment
Stable in various pH ranges	Versatile across different processes and industries
Prevents metal-catalyzed degradation	Improves shelf-life in cosmetics, soaps, and cleaning products
Acts as a water softener	Enhances effectiveness of soaps and detergents

Applications of EDTA Tetrasodium Salt

Water Treatment: Used to soften water by binding hard water ions (Ca²?, Mg²?)
Detergents & Cleaners: Improves cleaning efficiency by sequestering interfering metal ions
Cosmetics & Personal Care: Stabilizes formulations and prevents discoloration
Pharmaceutical Industry: Acts as a stabilizer for medicinal formulations
Laboratory Use: Common in buffer solutions for electrophoresis and other analyses
Agriculture: Enhances micronutrient availability in fertilizers
Pulp & Paper: Controls metal-induced pulp discoloration and improves bleaching
Textile Industry: Prevents scaling and improves dye uptake in fabric processing
Food Industry: Regulated usage as a sequestrant (check for regional compliance)
Photography & Film: Used in developing solutions for stabilizing images

Top 10 FAQs – EDTA Tetrasodium Salt

What is EDTA Tetrasodium Salt used for?
It’s used primarily for chelating (binding) metal ions in water treatment, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industrial cleaning.
Is it safe for cosmetic use?
Yes, it’s widely used in shampoos, soaps, and creams to improve stability, but must comply with cosmetic safety guidelines.
Can it be used in food?
EDTA is used in food applications in trace amounts, but only when permitted by local food safety authorities (e.g., E385 in EU).
Is EDTA Tetrasodium biodegradable?
Partially – it is more biodegradable under aerobic conditions, but environmental disposal should be controlled.
What is the difference between EDTA acid and EDTA tetrasodium salt?
The tetrasodium salt is more alkaline, water-soluble, and ready-to-use in formulations compared to the neutral acid form.
What is its appearance?
White to off-white crystalline powder or fine granules.
What pH level does it have?
Solutions typically have a pH of 10–11, making it alkaline.
Can it chelate all metals?
It effectively chelates a wide range of divalent and trivalent metal ions (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, etc.).
Is it compatible with all chemicals?
It’s compatible with many chemicals but should be tested in specific formulations due to potential reactivity.
How is it stored?
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and incompatible substances.