The ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid , commercially known as EDTA , is one of the most important organic agents for obtaining chelates . Its formula is (HOOCCH 2 ) 2 NCH 2 CH 2 N (CH 2 COOH) 2 .
Summary
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- 1 Properties
- 2 Applications
- 3 See also
- 4 Sources
Properties
It is a colorless, crystalline solid that decomposes at 240 ° C. Slightly soluble in water and insoluble in common organic solvents.
It is neutralized by the hydroxides that form the alkali metals , giving rise to a series of water soluble salts that contain from 1 to 4 metal cations.
Obtained by:
- Addition of Sodium Cyanide and Methanal (Formaldehyde) to a basic solution of Ethylenediamine, forming the trisodium salt.
- Heating Tetrahydroxyethylenediamine with Sodium Hydroxideor Potassium Hydroxide using a Cadmium Oxide catalyst .
Applications
- Detergents, liquid soaps and shampoos .
- Chemical sprays for agriculture.
- food products to combat derada catalyzed by trace metals.
- Metal treatment in cleaning and plating operations.
- Chlorosis Treatment.
- Decontamination of radioactive surfaces.
- Metal deactivator in vegetable oils.
- Improve the dyeing properties of fabrics and the stripping and washing operations.
- Liquid clarification