Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA): Properties, Applications, and Safety in Chemical Formulations
Discover the versatile applications and essential properties of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA), a key chemical intermediate.
Get a Quote & SampleProduct Core Value

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is a highly effective chelating agent, widely utilized across numerous industries for its exceptional ability to bind metal ions. With a high purity of 99% minimum, it serves as a crucial chemical intermediate, offering stability and enhanced performance in a vast array of formulations. Its applications range from improving detergent efficacy and cosmetic stability to acting as a vital component in pharmaceutical preparations and water treatment solutions.
- Leveraging its role as a key chemical intermediate, EDTA is instrumental in enhancing the performance of agricultural chemical sprays by ensuring optimal nutrient delivery and stability.
- As a vital component in detergent formulations, EDTA helps to sequester metal ions that can interfere with cleaning performance, leading to brighter and cleaner laundry.
- The application of EDTA in cosmetic products contributes to product stability, enhances foaming properties, and preserves color, making it a popular ingredient in shampoos and lotions.
- In the textile industry, EDTA plays a crucial role in improving dyeing and scouring operations by preventing metal ion impurities from affecting the final color of fabrics.
Key Advantages of EDTA
Exceptional Chelating Power
EDTA's primary advantage lies in its robust chelating capability, forming stable complexes with a wide spectrum of metal ions. This property is fundamental to its use in water treatment, where it efficiently removes hardness-causing ions like calcium and magnesium.
Broad Industrial Applicability
From enhancing the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals to improving the cleaning power of detergents, EDTA's versatility makes it an indispensable ingredient across multiple sectors, supporting product stability and functionality.
Ensured Product Stability and Performance
By binding metal ions, EDTA prevents unwanted chemical reactions that can lead to degradation, discoloration, or reduced efficacy in various formulations, thereby ensuring consistent product performance.
Key Applications
Industrial Formulations
EDTA is a fundamental chemical intermediate used to enhance the stability and performance of a wide range of industrial products, including cleaning agents and metal treatment solutions.
Personal Care Products
In cosmetics and personal care items like shampoos and lotions, EDTA acts as a stabilizer and foaming agent, contributing to product quality and user experience.
Water Treatment
EDTA is vital in water treatment processes for controlling water hardness and preventing scale formation by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions.
Agricultural Sector
It serves as a key component in agricultural chemical sprays, aiding in the delivery and stability of micronutrients, thereby supporting crop health.