What is EDTA 2 Sodium?
EDTA 2 Sodium, scientifically known as Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, is a chelating chemical compound that acts as the disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. This substance appears as a white crystalline powder and plays an important role in binding metal ions such as calcium, iron, and magnesium, making it an effective stabilizer in various products. EDTA 2 Sodium was first developed in the 1930s by German chemists and is now widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors. Its chemical formula is C10H14N2Na2O8, and as a strong chelator, it sequesters metal ions in stable complexes to prevent unwanted reactions. This compound is water-soluble, slightly salty in taste, and odorless. EDTA 2 Sodium is often confused with calcium disodium EDTA, but the main difference lies in their structure and applications; Disodium EDTA is more suitable for chelating metal ions in neutral to acidic formulations. The U.S. FDA classifies it as safe for use in food and personal care products, though excessive consumption can pose environmental concerns due to its slow biodegradability. It is found in everyday products such as shampoos, creams, and foods to maintain quality and prevent spoilage. EDTA 2 Sodium is also used medically to treat heavy metal poisoning, as it can remove toxic metal ions from the body. Global production reaches millions of tons annually, primarily in Asian countries like China. Overall, EDTA 2 Sodium is a versatile chemical tool essential to modern life, ensuring the stability and longevity of industrial and consumer products while playing a key role in personal care.

Physical and Chemical Properties of EDTA 2 Sodium
EDTA 2 Sodium appears as a white or off-white crystalline powder that is odorless and slightly salty. It is highly soluble in water, with solubility around 100 g per 100 mL at room temperature, but insoluble in organic solvents such as alcohol. Its melting point is approximately 248°C, and it decomposes at high temperatures but remains stable under normal conditions. The molecular weight of EDTA 2 Sodium is about 336.21 g/mol, and its density is around 1.5 g/cm³. Chemically, it is a hexadentate chelator capable of forming stable complexes with divalent metal ions such as Ca²⁺ and Fe²⁺ due to the presence of four carboxyl groups and two amine groups. A 1% aqueous solution has a pH of about 4–6, slightly acidic, making it suitable for neutral to acidic formulations. EDTA 2 Sodium is heat-resistant and does not degrade under industrial processes like pasteurization. It is not anhydroscopic and may absorb moisture, so it should be stored in tightly sealed containers. In chemical reactions, it removes metal ions from the environment, preventing unwanted catalysis, which is crucial in food and cosmetic industries. Studies show its LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of animals) is approximately 2000 mg/kg in mice, indicating low toxicity. Additionally, it chelates calcium ions in hard water, reducing water hardness. Its chemical properties allow it to function across a range of pH values, though efficiency may decrease in alkaline environments. Overall, the physical and chemical characteristics of EDTA 2 Sodium make it ideal for diverse applications.

Applications of EDTA 2 Sodium
EDTA 2 Sodium has broad applications across industries, acting as a strong chelator to bind metal ions and prevent unwanted reactions. It is used in product formulations to enhance stability and quality, playing a key role in maintaining color, taste, and texture.

Water Softening and Treatment
In water treatment, EDTA 2 Sodium is used to remove hardness caused by calcium and magnesium ions and prevent scale formation. It is employed in industrial systems such as boilers and piping to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. Additionally, it is effective in wastewater treatment for removing heavy metals like lead and mercury, enhancing water quality and environmental safety.

Pharmaceutical Industry
In pharmaceuticals, EDTA 2 Sodium acts as a stabilizer in drugs and injectable solutions, chelating metal ions to prevent decomposition. It is effective in treating heavy metal poisoning, such as lead, and is used in some cardiovascular drugs. It also improves drug absorption in topical formulations.

Dental Applications
In dentistry, EDTA 2 Sodium is used for cleaning root canals, removing calcium ions from dentin walls to reduce infection. It is incorporated in gels and dental solutions to facilitate endodontic procedures with high safety.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Products
EDTA 2 Sodium stabilizes cosmetic products such as creams, shampoos, and lotions, preventing oxidation, improving texture, and extending shelf life.

Metal Complex Formation
EDTA 2 Sodium is used to form stable metal complexes and is applied in chemical processes such as extraction of valuable metals. This property is important in scientific research and metal industries.

Food Industry
In the food sector, EDTA 2 Sodium acts as a preservative to prevent color and flavor changes, commonly used in canned foods, sauces, and beverages.

Agriculture and Horticulture
It is used to chelate metals in fertilizers, enhancing nutrient uptake by plants.

Textile Industry
EDTA 2 Sodium prevents color changes during dyeing and removes metal ions in textile processes.

Other Applications
Other uses include detergents for improved performance and in chemical synthesis of compounds.

Production of EDTA 2 Sodium
EDTA 2 Sodium is produced via the reaction of ethylenediamine with formaldehyde and sodium cyanide in an alkaline environment. Ethylenediamine first reacts with formaldehyde to form an imide, then cyanide is added to form carboxyl groups. Neutralization with sodium hydroxide yields disodium EDTA. Modern methods minimize cyanide usage for increased safety.

Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages include strong chelation, product stability, spoilage prevention, low cost, and medical utility. Disadvantages include potential skin irritation at high doses, environmental persistence, and risk of calcium depletion. Balanced use is essential.

What is EDTA 4 Sodium?
EDTA 4 Sodium, scientifically known as Tetrasodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate, is a chelating compound obtained by neutralizing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) with four equivalents of sodium hydroxide. It appears as a white solid, highly soluble in water, and acts as a strong source of the EDTA4− chelating agent. First developed in the 1930s, it is widely used in cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and industrial applications. Its chemical formula is C10H12N2Na4O8, and by binding metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and heavy metals, it prevents unwanted reactions. It is highly water-soluble and alkaline, making it suitable for alkaline formulations. EDTA 4 Sodium differs from Disodium EDTA mainly in sodium content, pH, and its effectiveness in alkaline environments. Regulatory agencies like the FDA consider it safe for use in food and cosmetics, though excessive use may pose environmental concerns. It is found in everyday products including shampoos, detergents, packaged foods, and water treatment systems. Medically, it is used for heavy metal detoxification and as an anticoagulant. Global production reaches millions of tons per year, primarily in Asian countries such as China. EDTA 4 Sodium is a multifunctional chelator crucial for product stability and quality in modern industries.

Physical and Chemical Properties of EDTA 4 Sodium
EDTA 4 Sodium appears as a white crystalline or powdered solid, odorless and highly soluble in water (over 100 g per 100 mL at room temperature). It is insoluble in organic solvents like alcohol. Its melting point is unspecified; it decomposes at high temperatures but remains stable under normal conditions. Molecular weight is about 380.17 g/mol, with a density of 1.5–1.7 g/cm³. Chemically, it is a hexadentate chelator forming stable complexes with divalent and trivalent metal ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺, heavy metals). A 1% aqueous solution has a pH of 10–11.5 (alkaline), making it suitable for alkaline formulations such as detergents. Heat-resistant and possibly hydrated (Na4EDTA·4H2O), its solution properties are similar to the anhydrous form. It is hygroscopic and must be stored in sealed containers. LD50 in mice is 2000–5000 mg/kg, indicating low toxicity. It chelates calcium and magnesium ions, reducing water hardness. Its chemical properties allow effective use in high-pH environments, but efficiency decreases in acidic conditions.

Applications of EDTA 4 Sodium

• Water and Wastewater Treatment: Removal of heavy metal ions like lead, mercury, and cadmium; prevents scale formation in piping and boilers.

• Pharmaceuticals and Medicine: Stabilizer in drugs, injectables, and vitamins; heavy metal detoxification; metalloprotease inhibition; anticoagulant.

• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Stabilizes shampoos, creams, lotions, soaps, and hair dyes; prevents oxidation, discoloration, and metal precipitation; improves cleaning efficiency in hard water.

• Food Industry: Preserves color, flavor, and quality in packaged foods, beverages, vitamins, and baby food.

• Detergents: Chelates metal ions to enhance performance, increase foam, and prevent deposits.

• Textile and Leather: Prevents color changes in dyeing; controls metal ions in leather tanning.

• Other Uses: Paper industry, metal extraction, engine cooling systems, hair bleaches, and laboratory research for metal complex formation.

Difference Between EDTA 2 Sodium and EDTA 4 Sodium
The main difference is sodium content and pH: EDTA 2 Sodium has a lower pH (4–6) suitable for acidic products, while EDTA 4 Sodium has a higher pH (above 7) and performs better in alkaline environments. EDTA 4 Sodium is commonly used in detergents, while EDTA 2 Sodium is more common in cosmetics and food.

Safety and Risks of EDTA 2 Sodium
EDTA 2 Sodium is generally safe, but high doses may irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Risks include calcium depletion and kidney issues. Regulatory bodies like the EWG classify it as low-risk, but overuse should be avoided.

Price of EDTA 2 Sodium
In 2025, bulk EDTA 2 Sodium costs around $1.5–2 per kilogram, depending on volume and quality. Retail packages (e.g., 500 g) range from $10–20. Price fluctuations are influenced by Asian supply and currency rates.

Purchasing EDTA 2 Sodium
Buying from Persia Kamandar paytakht Trading Company (supplier of chemical and industrial raw materials) ensures reliable quality, CoA and MSDS documentation, and flexible delivery. Preparing an RFQ helps clarify price, MOQ, and lead time.

FAQs about EDTA 2 Sodium

• Does EDTA 2 Sodium affect the body?
  Safe in small doses; may reduce calcium or cause gastrointestinal irritation. Medically useful for heavy metal removal, but excessive intake carries kidney risk.

• Applications in cosmetics?
  Acts as a stabilizer, prevents oxidation, improves texture, and extends shelf life.

• Applications in detergents?
  Chelates metal ions to improve efficiency, prevent deposits, and increase foam and cleaning power.