Ethylenediamine-n,n'-disuccinic acid

Ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (CAS 20846-91-7), commonly known as EDDS, is a biodegradable aminopolycarboxylate chelating agent.

Where is Ethylenediamine-n,n'-disuccinic acid used?

• Personal care: sequesters trace metals, protecting fragrance and active ingredients from metal-catalyzed degradation in rinse-off and leave-on products
• Water treatment: controls scale-forming metal ions and improves oxidative treatment efficiency
• Agriculture: metal chelate carrier, particularly for iron, enabling micronutrient delivery in fertilizer formulations where soil pH would otherwise render metals unavailable to plants
• Textile and paper processing: deactivates heavy metals that interfere with bleaching and enhances dyeing processes
• It binds heavy metal ions — particularly iron, copper, and manganese — to prevent interference in product performance and process stability.

Good to know: Buyers should confirm the stereoisomeric form, as the [S,S] enantiomer delivers the highest chelation efficiency; this form is the specification most commonly referenced in formulation and agricultural applications.

Commercial specifications

• Aqueous solution, with trisodium and tetrasodium salt forms