Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (CAS 60-00-4), commercially known as EDTA or Versene Acid, is a synthetic aminopolycarboxylic acid used as a chelating and sequestering agent.

Where is Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid used?

• Food manufacturing: preservative and stabilizer that inhibits metal-catalyzed rancidity and color degradation in canned legumes, mayonnaise, and soft drinks
• Pharmaceuticals: stabilizes active ingredients against trace metal contamination and enhances preservative efficacy in ophthalmic and injectable preparations
• Personal care: sequesters calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, improving surfactant performance in shampoos, creams, and liquid soaps
• Water treatment and industrial cleaning: removes scale-forming metal deposits from boilers, heat exchangers, and textile processing equipment
• By binding free metal ions in solution, it prevents unwanted oxidation, discoloration, and mineral interference in formulations and process streams.
• In cosmetics, acts as a penetration enhancer, helping products penetrate deeper into the skin.
• Aqueous [Fe(EDTA)]- is used to scrub hydrogen sulfide from gas streams, oxidizing it to elemental sulfur.

Formulation notes

• Reacts with strong oxidants.
• Attacks some forms of metals and rubber.

Typical specification

• Active substance assay (EDTA-H4) is minimum 99.0%.

Regulatory status

• Classified under the EU CLP Regulation with index number 607-429-00-8.
• Has a WGK (water hazard class) of 3.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Finely dispersed particles can form explosive mixtures in air.
• Should be stored separately from strong oxidants, metals, and food and feed.

Frequently asked questions about Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

What salt forms of EDTA are commercially available?

EDTA is produced as a variety of salts, including disodium EDTA, calcium disodium EDTA, and tetrasodium EDTA, typically as hydrates.

What pharmacopoeial standards does pharma grade EDTA comply with?

Pharma grade EDTA is available complying with USP-NF, BP, and Ph. Eur.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.