Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid, EDTA Acid

Properties:
EDTA is a white, odorless, and tasteless solid powder that decomposes at around 240-250°C.
It has low solubility in cold water but is more soluble in hot water or alkaline solutions.
EDTA is insoluble in alcohol and most organic solvents but is soluble in solutions of sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, and ammonia.
It is stable in air but will decompose at high temperatures, producing toxic nitrogen oxide fumes.
EDTA can cause eye irritation, and inhalation of its dust or aerosols may lead to respiratory tract irritation. Long-term or repeated exposure may result in skin allergies.

Uses:
As a chelating agent, EDTA is used in cosmetics, personal care, and skincare products to bind free metal ions and maintain the stability of formulations.
In the food and beverage industry, EDTA is used as a preservative and antioxidant to prevent oxidation and discoloration.
In cleaning agents, EDTA can soften hard water and improve cleaning performance.
Industrially, EDTA is used to remove metal ions to prevent the accumulation of residues and scale on equipment.
Medicinally, EDTA is used in chelation therapy to treat heavy metal poisoning, remove excess iron and calcium from the body, and as an anticoagulant.
In agriculture, EDTA is used as a plant nutrient to help plants absorb trace elements.
In water treatment, EDTA is used as a complexing agent for metal ions and as a masking agent for separation.