What is a Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)?

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), with the chemical formula C10H16N2O8, is a chelating agent that binds metal ions strongly. It appears as a white or colorless crystalline powder and is water-soluble. EDTA can form stable complexes with a wide range of metal ions. It is widely used in water treatment, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals (as an additive), food preservatives (as an antioxidant), and industrial cleaners. In laboratories, it’s used to minimize the effects of metal ions in biochemical experiments and analytical chemistry.

Though generally considered to have low toxicity, caution is advised during prolonged or high-concentration exposure.

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