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Organic Acids

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

CAS: 60-00-4

Overview

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

By binding free metal ions in solution, it prevents unwanted oxidation, discoloration, and mineral interference in formulations and process streams. In food manufacturing, EDTA is used as a preservative and stabilizer.

It is approved in products such as canned legumes, mayonnaise, and soft drinks to inhibit metal-catalyzed rancidity and color degradation. Pharmaceutical formulators incorporate it to stabilize active ingredients against trace metal contamination.

It is also used to enhance preservative efficacy in ophthalmic and injectable preparations. Personal care manufacturers rely on EDTA to sequester calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, improving surfactant performance.

This improves the quality of shampoos, creams, and liquid soaps. In water treatment and industrial cleaning, it removes scale-forming metal deposits from boilers, heat exchangers, and textile processing equipment.

EDTA is supplied as a white crystalline powder in both free acid and salt forms, with the disodium and tetrasodium salts being the most commercially traded variants. Recognized grades include food-grade ( FCC ).

Other available quality standards include USP , BP , and Ph. Eur. specifications for regulated applications. Technical grade options are also available for various industrial use cases.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point245 °C
Boiling Point434.18°C (rough estimate)
Density0.086 g/cm³
Flash Point>400°C DIN 51758
AppearanceEDTA is a white, odorless, crystalline material or white powder
ColorWhite to almost white
OdorOdorless
Formcrystalline
Water Solubility0.5 g/L (25 ºC)
Vapor Pressure<0.013 hPa (20 °C)
Refractive Indexn 20/D 1.363
pH2.5 (10g/l, H2O, 23℃)(slurry)
Log P-0.836 (est)

Safety & Handling

Warning GHS07 GHS08 GHS09 Hazard Statements H302 Harmful if swallowed H303 May be harmful if swallowed H312 Harmful in contact with skin H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H320 Causes eye irritation H332 Harmful if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H373 May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H402 Harmful to aquatic life H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29224900
UN Number3077
ADR Class9
Packing GroupIII
Storage Class11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany)2

Other Names

EDTA | versene Acid | NN'-12-ethane diylbis-(N-(carboxymethyl)glycine) | H4Edta | {[-(bis-carboxymethyl-amino)-ethyl]-carboxymethyl-amino}-acetic acid | Edetic acid | Edathamil | Havidote

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Chemical Properties

CAS Number
60-00-4
EC Number
200-449-4
Mol. Weight
292.24
HS Code
29224900

Industries

Documentation