Use and Manufacturing

1 Agricultural UsesEDTA is short for ethylenediamhetetraacetic acid, an amino polycarboxylic acid. It is a tetraprotic acid and is represented as H4Y with four carboxyl groups and two nitrogen atoms acting as ligand sites. Thus the compound is a hexadentate ligand. Ligands include ions such as Cl-, NO2-and CN- or neutral molecules like NH3 and H2O, which possess a lone pair of electrons that can be shared with a metal cation in coordinate covalent bonds.The water solubility of EDTA is very low and, therefore, its di-sodium salt Na2H2Y.2H2O is commonly used in titrations. The Y4- forms very stable, one-to-one complexes with practically every metal ion in the Periodic Table. The reactions are carried out in a neutral or alkaline medium as the complex decomposes in acidic medium.(and hence deterioration) of the food product, (d) to increase the storage life of whole blood by removing free calcium ions (Ca2+) to inhibit clotting, and (e) for extracting trace elements, especially copper. EDTA metal complexes, such as NaFeEDTA, MnEDTA, ZnEDTA and CuEDTA are used as fertilizers and foliar sprays.

2 DefinitionAn organic chelating agent

3 General DescriptionEthylenediamine tetraacetic acid is a colorless crystalline solid. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is slightly soluble in water. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is used in chemical analysis, to make detergents and cleaning compounds, and for many other uses.

4 Potential ExposureEDTA is a white, odorless, crystalline material or white powder

5 Purification MethodsDissolve EDTA in aqueous KOH or ammonium hydroxide, and precipitate it twice with dilute HCl or HNO3. Boil it twice with distilled water to remove mineral acid, then recrystallise it from water or dimethylformamide. Dry it at 110o. It also recrystallises from boiling 1N HCl; wash the crystals with distilled H2O and dry them in vacuo. [Ma & Ray Biochemistry 19 751 1980, Beilstein 4 IV 2449.]3.6 ShippingUN3082 Environmentally hazardous substances,liquid, n.o.s., Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material, Technical Name Required