Tetrasodium EDTA

Tetrasodium EDTA is the fully neutralized sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. It binds metal ions in solution, forming water-soluble complexes.

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Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is a synthetic aminopolycarboxylic acid that binds metal ions through multiple donor atoms. Tetrasodium EDTA is the sodium salt of this parent chelator.
Water softening: Water softening reduces dissolved calcium and magnesium ions that cause hardness. EDTA can bind these ions and reduce their participation in hardness-related reactions.
Sodium: Sodium is a soft, highly reactive alkali metal with atomic number 11. Four sodium counterions balance the four negative charges of fully deprotonated EDTA.
Hard water: Hard water contains appreciable dissolved calcium and magnesium ions. These common ions are among the metals EDTA can sequester.
Chelation: Chelation is the formation of coordinate bonds between a ligand and a metal ion at multiple sites. EDTA captures metals by wrapping several donor groups around one ion.
Cosmetics: Cosmetics are products applied to the body for cleansing, protection, or appearance. Tetrasodium EDTA can bind trace metals that otherwise destabilize cosmetic formulations.
Salt (chemistry): A salt is an electrically neutral ionic compound composed of cations and anions. Tetrasodium EDTA is an ionic salt rather than the protonated EDTA acid.
Water pollution: Water pollution is the contamination of water by substances that harm ecosystems or human uses. EDTA released into wastewater can carry bound metals through treatment and into aquatic environments.
Coordination complex: A coordination complex consists of a central metal atom or ion bonded to surrounding molecules or ions. Metal–EDTA binding produces a coordination complex.
Food additive: A food additive is a substance intentionally used to affect food properties or processing. Calcium disodium EDTA, a related EDTA salt, is used in some foods to control metal-catalyzed deterioration.