EDTA is a widely-used abbreviation for the chemical compound ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (and many other names, see table). EDTA refers to the chelating agent with the formula (HO₂CCH₂)₂NCH₂CH₂N(CH₂CO₂H)₂. This amino acid is widely used to sequester di- and trivalent metal ions. EDTA binds to metals via four carboxylate and two amine groups. EDTA forms especially strong complexes with Mn(II), Cu(II), Fe(III), and Co(III).^[1]

EDTA is a widely-used abbreviation for the chemical compound ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (and many other names, see table). EDTA refers to the chelating agent with the formula (HO₂CCH₂)₂NCH₂CH₂N(CH₂CO₂H)₂. This amino acid is widely used to sequester di- and trivalent metal ions. EDTA binds to metals via four carboxylate and two amine groups. EDTA forms especially strong complexes with Mn(II), Cu(II), Fe(III), and Co(III).^[1]

EDTA is mostly synthesised from 1,2-diaminoethane (ethylenediamine), formaldehyde (methanal), water and sodium cyanide.[2] This yields the tetra sodium salt, which can be converted into the acidic forms by acidification. Pioneering work on the development of EDTA was undertaken by Gerold Schwarzenbach in the 1940's.^[3]

Diammonium EDTA chelating agent is an aqueous solution of the diammonium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetate. VERSENE™ chelating agents are used successfully to remove calcium and other types of scale from boilers, evaporators, heat exchangers, filter cloths and glass-lined kettles, and also to prevent scale formation.

Product Availability: North America, Latin America, Pacific, Europe, India, Middle East and Africa Applications: cleaning products, metalworking, polymerization, scale removal and prevention