Disodium EDTA dihydrate

Disodium EDTA dihydrate (CAS 6381-92-6) is the dihydrate form of the disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, commonly sourced under the abbreviation EDTA disodium. It functions as a chelating and sequestering agent. By binding metal ions, it prevents oxidation, discoloration, and microbial activity across a broad range of industrial and consumer product applications. In personal care and cosmetics, it stabilizes formulations by deactivating trace metals.

This prevents the degradation of preservatives or the development of rancidity in creams, shampoos, and lotions. Food and beverage manufacturers use it to prevent metal-catalyzed oxidation in canned goods and dressings. It is particularly effective in seafood products where color and shelf life are critical quality parameters. Water treatment operations deploy it to sequester calcium and magnesium ions, controlling scale formation in industrial systems.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it enhances preservative efficacy in ophthalmic and injectable formulations. It achieves this by chelating metal cofactors that support microbial growth in sensitive medical products. Disodium EDTA dihydrate is supplied as a white crystalline powder. Standard grades include food-grade (FCC), USP, BP, and Ph. Eur., supporting procurement across various highly regulated industries.

Technical grade is also available for industrial applications such as textile processing and leather treatment. It is widely used in water treatment where specific pharmacopeial certification is not strictly required.