Ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid

Ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid, commonly abbreviated as EDDS, is a biodegradable aminopolycarboxylate chelating agent registered under CAS 20846-91-7 and EC 439-840-1. It is also referenced in literature as N,N'-ethylenediaspartic acid and EDSS. No E-code designation applies to this substance.

In water treatment, EDDS sequesters calcium, magnesium, and heavy metal ions by forming stable coordination complexes, preventing scale formation and metal-catalysed degradation. In personal care formulations, it deactivates trace metals that would otherwise accelerate oxidative spoilage of active ingredients. Agricultural applications exploit the same coordination chemistry to improve micronutrient bioavailability in soil.

EDDS is supplied under REACH registration and is available in liquid and solid grades suited to industrial formulation. Procurement teams should confirm grade specifications against intended application requirements, particularly where biodegradability certification or low aquatic toxicity documentation is needed for environmental compliance.