Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, commonly known as EDTA, plays a significant role in various everyday applications. This chemical compound is widely utilized as a chelating agent in the food industry, where it helps preserve the freshness and flavor of food products by binding and trapping metal ions that can cause oxidation. In addition, EDTA is commonly found in personal care products, such as shampoos and soaps, where it acts as a stabilizer and helps maintain product consistency. Furthermore, EDTA is used in the medical field as a chelating agent to treat heavy metal poisoning and in the cosmetics industry to improve product stability. Overall, EDTA’s chelating properties make it a crucial ingredient in many products that we encounter in our daily lives.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, also known as EDTA, has diverse commercial and industrial applications due to its chelating properties. It is commonly used as a sequestering agent to remove unwanted metal ions. EDTA is employed in the production of soaps, detergents, and various cleaning agents to enhance their effectiveness in hard water conditions. In the industrial sector, it is utilized in metal plating and as a stabilizer in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
In the field of pharmaceuticals, Ethylenediaminetetraacetate plays a crucial role in drug formulation and delivery. It is commonly used in chelation therapy to treat heavy metal poisoning. EDTA can also be found in various medications to improve their stability and efficacy. Additionally, it is utilized in the development of diagnostic imaging agents for certain medical procedures to enhance contrast and improve accuracy.
In the realm of medicine, Ethylenediaminetetraacetate has proven to be a valuable tool in the treatment of cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Chelation therapy with EDTA is used to remove excess metal ions from the body, which can help improve circulation and kidney function. Furthermore, it is employed in the management of lead poisoning cases, where it effectively binds to lead ions and facilitates their excretion from the body.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, commonly known as EDTA, is a white, odorless crystalline powder with a molecular formula C10H16N2O8. It is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs water from the atmosphere, resulting in a slightly damp appearance.
With a molar mass of approximately 292.24 g/mol and a density of around 1.01 g/cm³, EDTA can be compared to common food items such as sugar (molar mass around 342.30 g/mol, density around 1.59 g/cm³) and salt (molar mass around 58.44 g/mol, density around 2.16 g/cm³). It is generally lighter than sugar but heavier than salt.
Ethylenediaminetetraacetate has a melting point of approximately 240-245 °C and a boiling point of around 390-400 °C. In comparison, common food items like sugar and salt have significantly lower melting and boiling points. Sugar melts at around 160-186 °C and boils at 186-186 °C, while salt melts at about 801 °C and boils at 1,413 °C.
EDTA is highly soluble in water, forming a clear, colorless solution. It has a relatively low viscosity, making it easy to dissolve in aqueous solutions. In contrast, common food items like sugar and salt are also soluble in water but may have different viscosities depending on their concentration and temperature.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, also known as EDTA, is a compound commonly used in industrial processes, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. The production of Ethylenediaminetetraacetate involves the reaction of ethylenediamine with chloroacetic acid, forming the intermediate product ethylenediamine-N,N’-diacetic acid. This compound is further reacted with sodium hydroxide to yield the final product Ethylenediaminetetraacetate.
In terms of procurement and transportation, Ethylenediaminetetraacetate is typically available from chemical suppliers in both liquid and solid forms. The compound can be shipped in drums, bags, or bulk containers, depending on the quantity needed. For transportation, Ethylenediaminetetraacetate is classified as a hazardous material and must be handled and shipped according to specific regulations to ensure safety and compliance with local laws.
When procuring Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, buyers should ensure that the supplier meets quality standards and provides the necessary documentation, including safety data sheets and certificates of analysis. Additionally, buyers should consider factors such as packaging, storage requirements, and handling precautions when choosing a supplier for Ethylenediaminetetraacetate. It is essential to work with reputable suppliers to guarantee the quality and reliability of the product.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) include potential skin and eye irritation upon contact. It is important to avoid inhalation of EDTA dust or mist, as it may cause respiratory irritation. When handling EDTA, it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, to minimize exposure to the substance.
In terms of hazard statements for Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, it is considered harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. EDTA may cause skin and eye irritation, and prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to skin sensitization. It is also important to keep EDTA away from sources of ignition, as it may be combustible under certain conditions.
Precautionary statements for Ethylenediaminetetraacetate include avoiding ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. If skin or eye irritation occurs, seek medical advice immediately. Store EDTA in a well-ventilated area away from heat and sources of ignition, and keep containers tightly closed when not in use. It is also recommended to wash hands thoroughly after handling EDTA and to dispose of it properly according to local regulations.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for Ethylenediaminetetraacetate is to investigate its ability to chelate heavy metals and toxins in industrial wastewater treatment processes.
Another area of study could focus on the potential use of Ethylenediaminetetraacetate in pharmaceuticals as a chelating agent for metal ions in medicinal applications.
Further research could explore the environmental impact of Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, particularly its degradation pathways and potential harm to aquatic ecosystems.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Ethylenediaminetetraacetate is Diethylenetriaminepentaacetate, commonly known as DTPA. This compound has a similar molecular structure to EDTA, with the addition of one extra ethylenediamine group. DTPA is commonly used as a chelating agent in various industries, similar to EDTA.
Another compound with a comparable molecular structure to Ethylenediaminetetraacetate is Nitrilotriacetate, also known as NTA. NTA contains only one ethylenediamine group, but still possesses the ability to chelate metal ions efficiently. NTA is used in various applications such as detergents and wastewater treatment, similar to EDTA.
A third compound similar to Ethylenediaminetetraacetate is Triethylenetetraminehexaacetate, also known as TTHA. TTHA contains three ethylenediamine groups, making it a more complex structure compared to EDTA. This compound also exhibits chelating properties and is used in similar applications as EDTA, such as in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.
