In general, EDTA or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (in English: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which is abbreviated as EDTA, is a polycarboxylate amino acid with the chemical formula C10H16N2Na2O8. This substance is actually a chelating agent that reacts with metal ions and forms stable and water-soluble metal complexes. This product exists in the form of several salts, especially disodium EDTA and tetrasodium EDTA. This substance is used for various applications, including as a food additive or as a flavor and texture preserving agent in food products.
Determining water hardness:
In the video below, you can see the EDTA titrant to determine the hardness of water. In this experiment, we first fill the burette with EDTA and pour the desired sample into the Erlenmeyer flask. Then we add a few drops of hardness buffer. At this stage, it is necessary to add the reagent to the Erlenmeyer flask. This reagent works in such a way that it turns red if there is hardness in the water and turns blue if there is no hardness. Next, it is necessary to titrate the desired sample. In this titration, after adding each drop of EDTA, we must stir the solution thoroughly. When the solution turns blue, we have reached the end point. Here, the time to reach the end point can be evaluated according to the amount of EDTA consumed.
This substance can be divided into three types: 2-sodium, 4-sodium, and 4-hydrogen, of which we will introduce two of them below.
What is 2-sodium EDTA?
This substance, with other names such as disodium EDTA, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and the chemical name dihydrate of disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid salt, is an odorless and water-soluble crystal. A synthetic compound made from ethylenediamine, formaldehyde, and sodium cyanide, used in pharmaceuticals and as a food additive in industry. The table below shows some of the physical and chemical properties of this substance.
| Chemical formula | C10H16N2Na2O8 |
| cas no | 2Sodium: 3-33-139 4Sodium: 4-36-13235 |
| Molecular weight | 338.22 g |
| Specifications Appearance | White crystalline solid, tasteless and odorless |
| Melting point | 242ºC |
| Density | 1.01 g/cm3 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol |
What is EDTA-4 sodium?
A pure salt made by neutralizing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid with four sodium hydroxide and is a white solid and very soluble in water.
Commercial samples of this substance are usually hydrated; the properties of its hydrated and dehydrated forms are the same, provided they have similar pH. The table below shows some of the properties of this compound.
| Chemical Formula | C10H12N2Na4O8 |
| Molecular Weight | 380.17 g |
| Appearance | White Solid |
| Melting Point | 200ºC |
| Density | 0.7 g/cm3 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| pH | Between 4 and 6 |
Method of preparation:
In all industrial methods for the preparation of this substance and its salts, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide or alkali metal cyanide are added to an aqueous solution of this compound. The salts are then formed by hydrolysis. It can also be prepared by heating tetrahydroxyethylenediamine with sodium or potassium hydroxide using a cadmium oxide catalyst. To prepare EDTA-2 sodium, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is dissolved in a hot solution containing sodium dihydroxide and then the solution is crystallized.
Uses:
Sodium EDTA is a preservative, separator, and stabilizer and is used in anticoagulants, cosmetics, food industry, water purification, and dyeing. But it is mostly used in skin care and cosmetic products. It is also useful in medical treatments; usually in the treatment of metal toxicity, it binds to toxic metals in the bloodstream and carries them to the kidneys before they can damage tissue.
Sodium EDTA also has applications such as helping to formulate a product to remove rust, corrosion, and scale. It is also used in cosmetics and skin and hair care products. Its 6% concentration is used as the main active ingredient in some engine cooling system flushes.
Sodium EDTA Uses in Cosmetics:
This compound is used in cosmetics and skin care products such as moisturizers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and hair dyes. In these products, this substance binds to metal ions and deactivates them, thus preventing cosmetic products from spoiling.
Use of sodium EDTA 4 in water purification:
In water purification systems, this substance is used to control water hardness, calcium and magnesium ions that form sediment.
In this way, this compound binds to metal ions such as calcium and magnesium and purifies the water by settling them.
What is the difference between 2-sodium EDTA and 4-sodium EDTA?
The main difference between these two salts is their pH value. Disodium EDTA has a pH of less than 7 and tetrasodium EDTA has a pH of more than 7.
Advantages and disadvantages:
In the table below, you can see the advantages and disadvantages of this product:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Removal of heavy metals and minerals from the blood | A stimulant and dangerous substance |
| Control of water hardness | Harmful to health |
| Removal of deposits and corrosion | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and skin problems |
Global sales and purchase market:
According to data, the market value of this substance in 2023 is with $1.56 billion and will reach $2.36 billion by 2033 with a growth of 4.2%. This substance is a synthetic compound that is used as a chelating agent in various applications due to its ability to chelate metal ions. This means that it can bind to metal ions and form EDTA complexes. This substance is a strong chelating agent that forms stable complexes with various metal ions such as toxic heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. These metal ions can effectively bind to these metal ions in water sources through industrial discharges.
This compound is used in many industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceutical, agriculture, water treatment, etc. Its market can be divided into different segments based on type, application and geographical region. This substance has two types of disodium and tetrasodium; based on application, the geographical region in question affects its market. In terms of geographical area, this material is used in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa, of course, its use is different in each region. For example, in Asia, the growth rate of industries is high, which is why the demand for this product is high in this region. After North America, it has a large share in its market; in this region, this compound is used in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries. Among the applications that have greatly influenced the growth of the market for this material are the food industry, water purification and cosmetics.
MSDS and safety tips:
Read and follow the safety tips before working with chemicals including EDTA 2 and 4 sodium.
- These materials are irritants.
- It is dangerous to swallow these materials.
- Use gloves, clothing and protective glasses before working with them.
- Inhaling these materials is also dangerous. After inhalation, breathe fresh air and rest.
- They are considered harmful to human health. However, there is no reliable evidence that these substances are carcinogenic.
- They cause skin irritation. After contact with large amounts of water, wash the affected area and go to the hospital if you have symptoms such as redness.
- They are considered dangerous substances for the environment. These synthetic materials contain persistent pollutants that do not decompose and can cause many environmental problems.
- It is assumed that these materials are combustible, so they should not come into contact with mechanical equipment. In case of fire, use water spray, dry chemicals, carbon dioxide and foam to extinguish the fire.
- Exceeding the permissible limit of these substances has side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, fever and skin problems. Disodium EDTA interferes with blood sugar management in diabetic patients, and is also harmful to patients with irregular heart rhythms.
Reduce the risks of working with chemicals by following safety precautions.
Buying Guide for 4-sodium and 2-sodium EDTA:
If you are looking for a high-quality product at a reasonable price, Arman Shemi online store is one of the most reputable centers. This store meets the needs of its customers by providing quality products, competitive prices, and specialized consulting services.
