Tetrasodium etidronate

Tetrasodium etidronate (CAS 3794-83-0), also marketed as Turpinal 4NL and Sequion 10Na4 and abbreviated HEDP·4Na, is the fully neutralized tetrasodium salt of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid. It functions as a high-performance chelating and sequestering agent, binding calcium, magnesium, and heavy metal ions to prevent scale formation, oxidative degradation, and corrosion across industrial applications.

In personal care formulations, it stabilizes hydrogen peroxide in hair bleaching and coloring products, extending shelf life and preventing premature decomposition during storage and use. Water treatment operations use it to inhibit scale deposition and corrosion in cooling towers, boilers, and process water circuits. This ensures operational efficiency and longevity of the equipment.

Textile and paper processing facilities apply it to sequester hardness ions during bleaching and dyeing, preventing metal-catalyzed fiber damage and improving overall process consistency and quality. In oil and gas production, it controls mineral scale in pipelines and injection systems where calcium carbonate and phosphate deposits restrict flow. This helps maintain optimal production rates.

The product is supplied as a clear to pale yellow aqueous solution, typically at 35–40% active content. Technical and industrial grades are the standard market offering for most applications. Cosmetic-grade material is available to meet personal care formulation requirements. Packaging ranges from drums to IBC containers depending on specific volume requirements and logistics needs.