The Ultimate Guide to Tetrasodium EDTA Powder: Properties, Applications, and Comparisons
Tetrasodium EDTA, or Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt, is a powerful chelating agent that has found widespread use in various industries, including agriculture, personal care, and water treatment. This versatile compound plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of formulations by binding metal ions, thereby preventing undesirable interactions in products. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the properties, applications, and technical specifications of tetrasodium EDTA powder, as well as compare it to other types of EDTA and related compounds.
Table: Comparison of Different Types and Applications of Tetrasodium EDTA
| Type of EDTA | Chemical Formula | CAS Number | Applications | Solubility in Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tetrasodium EDTA | C₁₀H₁₂N₂O₈Na₄·2H₂O | 64-02-8 | Agriculture, personal care, water treatment | Highly soluble |
| Disodium EDTA | C₁₀H₁₄N₂O₈Na₂·2H₂O | 6381-92-6 | Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food preservation | Highly soluble |
| Calcium Disodium EDTA | C₁₀H₁₄N₂O₈CaNa₂·2H₂O | 62-33-9 | Medical treatments, blood preservation | Highly soluble |
| EDTA (Free Acid) | C₁₀H₁₄N₂O₈ | 60-00-4 | Laboratory applications, metal ion analysis | Limited solubility |
Properties of Tetrasodium EDTA Powder
Tetrasodium EDTA is a white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water, making it an effective chelating agent in various applications. Its chemical structure allows it to form stable complexes with divalent and trivalent metal ions, which enhances its functionality across diverse industries.
Chemical Composition and Structure
The chemical formula for tetrasodium EDTA is C₁₀H₁₂N₂O₈Na₄·2H₂O, with a molar mass of 420.233 g/mol. It is derived from ethylenediamine and is neutralized with sodium hydroxide. This unique structure allows it to bind effectively to metals, preventing them from interfering with product formulations.
Physical Properties
- Appearance: White crystalline powder
- Solubility: Very soluble in water, forming a basic solution
- pH of 1% Aqueous Solution: Approximately 11.3
- Melting Point: Stable at temperatures up to 200°C under pressure
Applications of Tetrasodium EDTA Powder
Tetrasodium EDTA’s ability to complex metal ions makes it suitable for numerous applications across various industries. Below are some key areas where tetrasodium EDTA is commonly utilized.
1. Agriculture
Tetrasodium EDTA is extensively used in agriculture as a chelating agent. It enhances nutrient availability in fertilizers and soil treatments, allowing plants to absorb essential minerals more effectively. This leads to improved crop health and yield, making it a vital component in modern agricultural practices.
2. Personal Care Products
In the cosmetics industry, tetrasodium EDTA is utilized to control metal ions, which can degrade product quality. It helps in stabilizing formulations, improving hard water performance, and enhancing the shelf life of products. Its effectiveness in preventing metal ion accumulation on the skin and hair makes it a popular choice for shampoos, conditioners, and lotions.
3. Water Treatment
Tetrasodium EDTA plays a significant role in water treatment processes. It is used to remove heavy metals and scale from industrial water systems, ensuring cleaner water and enhanced system efficiency. Its ability to form soluble chelates makes it an essential agent in this field.
4. Laboratory Applications
In laboratories, tetrasodium EDTA is employed for metal ion analysis and as a stabilizing agent in various chemical reactions. Its strong chelating properties help in maintaining the integrity of samples and preventing contamination.
5. Industrial Applications
Tetrasodium EDTA is also utilized in various industrial processes, including textile and paper manufacturing. It aids in dyeing processes by binding metal ions that may interfere with color consistency.
Technical Features of Tetrasodium EDTA
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₁₀H₁₂N₂O₈Na₄·2H₂O |
| CAS Number | 64-02-8 |
| Molar Mass | 420.233 g/mol |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
| pH of 1% Solution | Approximately 11.3 |
| Application Areas | Agriculture, personal care, water treatment, laboratory, industrial |
| Typical Usage Concentration | 0.2% to 0.5% in personal care products |
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Conclusion
Tetrasodium EDTA powder is a versatile and essential compound that serves a multitude of purposes across various industries. Its unique properties, including high solubility and strong chelation capabilities, make it an invaluable ingredient in agriculture, personal care products, water treatment, and more. Understanding its applications and benefits can help industries leverage its capabilities to improve product efficacy and quality.
FAQ
What is Tetrasodium EDTA?
Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent that binds metal ions in a solution, preventing them from interfering with various processes. It is widely used in agriculture, personal care products, and water treatment.
What are the primary applications of Tetrasodium EDTA?
Tetrasodium EDTA is primarily used in agriculture for nutrient availability, in personal care products for stabilization, in water treatment for metal removal, and in laboratories for metal ion analysis.
Is Tetrasodium EDTA safe for use in personal care products?
Yes, Tetrasodium EDTA is generally considered safe for use in personal care products when used at appropriate concentrations (typically 0.2% to 0.5%).
How does Tetrasodium EDTA work?
Tetrasodium EDTA works by binding to metal ions, forming stable complexes that prevent these ions from participating in unwanted chemical reactions.
Can Tetrasodium EDTA be used in food products?
While Tetrasodium EDTA is primarily used in non-food applications, it can be utilized in food preservation under regulated conditions, ensuring safety and compliance.
What is the pH of a Tetrasodium EDTA solution?
A 1% aqueous solution of Tetrasodium EDTA typically has a pH of about 11.3.
How is Tetrasodium EDTA produced?
Tetrasodium EDTA is produced by neutralizing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid with sodium hydroxide, resulting in the formation of this chelating agent.
Where can Tetrasodium EDTA be purchased?
Tetrasodium EDTA can be purchased from various suppliers, including www.thermofisher.com, www.fishersci.com, and bluestonemc.com.
Is Tetrasodium EDTA effective at high temperatures?
Yes, Tetrasodium EDTA is stable at temperatures up to 200°C, making it effective in various high-temperature applications.
What is the difference between Tetrasodium EDTA and Disodium EDTA?
Tetrasodium EDTA contains four sodium ions, whereas Disodium EDTA contains two. This difference affects their solubility and applications, with Tetrasodium being more suitable for alkaline products.
