Egtazic Acid, also known as EGTA, is a chelating agent commonly used in various industries, including the medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. It is primarily utilized to bind and sequester metal ions in solution, thereby preventing unwanted interactions and preserving the stability of products and formulations. In everyday life, EGTA plays a crucial role in the production of skincare products, detergents, and certain food and beverage items. Its ability to regulate the presence of metal ions ensures the quality and efficacy of these consumer goods.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Egtazic acid, also known as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), is commonly used in commercial and industrial applications due to its ability to chelate metal ions. This chemical compound is often employed in cleaning products, water treatment processes, and as a stabilizer in various industries. EDTA is utilized as a sequestering agent to bind to metal ions and prevent them from reacting with other chemicals, thereby improving the effectiveness of products and processes.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, Egtazic acid plays a crucial role as a chelating agent in various pharmaceutical products. This compound is used in medications to treat heavy metal poisoning by binding to toxic metals and facilitating their excretion from the body. In addition, EDTA is employed in certain medical diagnostic procedures to remove unwanted metal ions that could interfere with test results. Its ability to chelate metal ions makes it an essential ingredient in various pharmaceutical formulations.
Overall, Egtazic acid’s chelating properties make it a valuable chemical compound in both commercial and pharmaceutical applications. Its ability to bind to metal ions and improve the effectiveness of products and processes has made it a staple in various industries. Additionally, its role in treating heavy metal poisoning and aiding in medical diagnostics highlights its importance in the field of medicine.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Egtazic Acid, also known as ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethyl)tetraacetic acid, is a white crystalline powder with no distinct odor in its pure form.
With a molar mass of approximately 292.24 g/mol and a density of 1.50 g/cm3, Egtazic Acid is lighter than common household items such as table salt (molar mass of 58.44 g/mol, density of 2.16 g/cm3) and sugar (molar mass of 342.30 g/mol, density of 1.59 g/cm3).
Egtazic Acid has a melting point of around 283-285°C and a boiling point of approximately 571°C. When compared to common household items like water (melting point of 0°C, boiling point of 100°C) and butter (melting point of 32-35°C, boiling point above 100°C), Egtazic Acid exhibits much higher melting and boiling points.
Egtazic Acid is highly soluble in water, forming a clear, colorless solution. It has a low viscosity, making it easier to dissolve compared to common household items like honey or molasses, which have higher viscosities.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Egtazic Acid, also known as EGTA, is commonly produced through a reaction between ethylene glycol and diethanolamine in the presence of sodium hydroxide. This manufacturing process typically involves controlled conditions and precise stoichiometric ratios to obtain high purity EGTA.
Procuring Egtazic Acid can be accomplished through chemical suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, or research institutions. The compound is commonly available in both powder and solution forms, depending on the intended application. Transportation of EGTA usually involves packaging in tightly sealed containers to prevent contamination or degradation during transit.
For laboratory or research purposes, Egtazic Acid can be purchased in smaller quantities from specialized chemical suppliers. Larger quantities may be obtained directly from manufacturers through bulk ordering agreements. Careful consideration should be given to storage conditions, as EGTA is sensitive to moisture and should be kept in a cool, dry environment to maintain its integrity.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations for Egtazic Acid:
Egtazic Acid is a hazardous chemical compound that requires careful handling to prevent harm to individuals and the environment. When working with Egtazic Acid, it is crucial to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, lab coats, and safety goggles, to minimize the risk of skin and eye contact. Additionally, Egtazic Acid should only be used in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of harmful fumes.
Pharmacology of Egtazic Acid:
Egtazic Acid, also known as EGTA, is a chelating agent that forms stable complexes with metal ions, particularly calcium. It is commonly used in molecular biology and biochemistry research to chelate calcium ions and inhibit enzymes that require calcium for their activity. EGTA is also used in cell culture media to prevent cell adhesion and promote cell detachment for experiments requiring single-cell suspensions.
Hazard Statements for Egtazic Acid:
Egtazic Acid is classified as a hazardous chemical with the following hazard statements: H302 (Harmful if swallowed), H312 (Harmful in contact with skin), and H332 (Harmful if inhaled). These statements indicate that Egtazic Acid can cause harm through ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation, and appropriate precautions should be taken to prevent exposure.
Precautionary Statements for Egtazic Acid:
When working with Egtazic Acid, it is important to follow the precautionary statements provided by the manufacturer. These may include wearing protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection, as well as working in a well-ventilated area and avoiding direct contact with the chemical. In case of accidental exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought, and the contaminated area should be thoroughly rinsed with water.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for Egtazic Acid is its role in cellular calcium homeostasis. Researchers may investigate Egtazic Acid’s ability to chelate calcium ions and regulate intracellular calcium levels, which could have implications for various physiological processes.
Another area of interest could be the development of Egtazic Acid-based contrast agents for medical imaging. Studies may focus on enhancing the imaging properties of Egtazic Acid through chemical modifications or conjugation with targeting molecules to improve its specificity and sensitivity in detecting various diseases.
Furthermore, research on the therapeutic potential of Egtazic Acid derivatives in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders could be valuable. Investigations may explore the neuroprotective effects of Egtazic Acid analogs against excitotoxicity and oxidative stress, elucidating their mechanisms of action and potential for clinical applications.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Egtazic Acid based upon molecular structure is Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA). DTPA is a chelating agent that forms stable complexes with various metal ions. It is commonly used in the medical field for imaging purposes, as well as in industrial applications for metal ion removal.
Another compound structurally similar to Egtazic Acid is Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). EDTA is a widely utilized chelating agent that forms stable complexes with metal ions, making it effective in various applications such as food preservation, cosmetics, and medicine. EDTA is also used in industrial processes to remove metal ions from solutions.
A third compound with a molecular structure similar to Egtazic Acid is Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). NTA is a chelating agent that forms stable complexes with metal ions, enabling its use in a variety of applications such as agriculture, water treatment, and cleaning products. It is also used in industrial processes for metal ion removal and stabilization.
