What is Disodium EDTA Commonly Used For?

EDTA is a substance that is used in many industries due to its ability to form chelates with different metal ions. Pharmaceuticals, dentistry, water purification, textiles, detergents, and cosmetics are some of the industries that use them. EDTA 2 Na and EDTA 4 Na are different forms of this substance, which are in the highest demand. In this article, we try to make you more familiar with the uses of Disodium EDTA. 

What is Disodium EDTA and its uses?

Disodium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium acid) is a chelating agent used to isolate and reduce the reaction of metal ions that may be present in many industrial and personal care products.

Due to its complexing properties, Disodium EDTA can easily prevent the reaction of undesirable metals and its negative impact on many products, so it is used as a separator or stopper of reactions.

Food:

EDTA 2 sodium is used as an additive in a wide range of products, including canned fish and shrimp, canned mushrooms, and fried potatoes, and is also added to salad dressings to prevent dryness.

Cosmetics:

Disodium EDTA is widely used in a variety of moisturizers, skin care products, cleansers, bath soaps, shampoos and conditioners, hair dyes, lotions, and other products.

Due to its structure, this salt binds to metal ions and inactivates metals. In cosmetic products, this property of Disodium EDTA is used to prevent changes in the chemical structure of products and as a result of its deterioration, unwanted changes in products, changes in pH, and changes in the aroma or texture of products.

Textile Industry:

In the textile industry, EDTA 2 Sodium removes free and harmful metal ions, prevents discoloration of fabrics, and also prevents the deposition of materials in industrial equipment operating at very high temperatures. In general, EDTA reduces the reactivity of metals and prevents any side effects that may occur in its presence.

Medical:

It is used to treat blood and venous problems such as irregular heartbeat caused by chemical exposure, chest pain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, and circulatory problems. Some doctors also believe that EDTA acts as an antioxidant and prevents free radicals from attaching to the blood cell wall.

Dentistry:

In dentistry, when the root of the tooth is emptied, some of the materials used are left behind. Dentists use EDTA 2 sodium to remove this extra material.

Laboratories:

In the laboratory, EDTA 2Na is widely used to inhibit metal ions: In biochemistry and molecular biology, ion depletion is commonly used to inactivate metal-dependent enzymes, either as a measure of their reaction or for Damage suppression of DNA, proteins, and polysaccharides.

In analytical chemistry, EDTA 2 sodium is used in complexometric titration and water hardness analysis or as a coating material to separate metal ions that interfere with the analysis.

Formation of a Metal Complex:

The uses mentioned above are all based on the ability of this salt to form chelates, we will discuss this property in the following.

Disodium EDTA has the ability to combine and form chelates stoichiometrically with all metals in the periodic table. In combination with divalent or trivalent ions, it forms a neutral or anionic chelate. This chelation prevents the metal from reacting with other anions and greatly increases the solubility of the metal.

Conclusion:

EDTA is a very useful product, but overuse can cause environmental hazards. This product reduces the absorption of heavy metals by entering the soil and on the other hand, its entry into groundwater causes the pollution of these resources.