"Explore the versatile applications of Sodium Edetate (EDTA Disodium, CAS 64-02-8), a high-purity chelating agent widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, water treatment, and agriculture. Known for its excellent metal ion binding and safety, it ensures stability, efficiency, and eco-friendly performance across industries."
-Deshangchemical
In today’s era of precision formulation and advanced material science, the demand for safe, effective, and stable auxiliary ingredients is steadily increasing across multiple industries. Sodium edetate (EDTA disodium, CAS 64-02-8), a powerful chelating agent known for its strong metal ion-binding properties and high chemical stability, has become an essential ingredient in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, industrial cleaning, agriculture, and water treatment. As transparency, safety, and environmental sustainability gain importance in global markets, the significance of sodium edetate CAS 64-02-8 continues to rise, making it a core component in a wide range of high-performance applications.
Product Overview and Chemical Characteristics
Sodium edetate, also known as EDTA disodium, is the disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). It appears as a white crystalline powder, is highly soluble in water, and offers excellent chemical and thermal stability. In aqueous solutions, EDTA disodium (CAS 64-02-8) can chelate various metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and lead, forming stable and soluble complexes. This ability helps prevent unwanted reactions like oxidation, discoloration, or precipitation in formulations.
Applications of Sodium Edetate CAS 64-02-8
Pharmaceutical Use: Chelating Agent and Stabilizer
In the pharmaceutical industry, sodium edetate CAS 64-02-8 is widely used as a chelating agent and antioxidant stabilizer in injections, eye drops, and antibiotic formulations. By binding to trace metal ions, it prevents degradation or discoloration of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), thereby improving shelf life and formulation integrity.
Additionally, EDTA disodium plays a role in treating heavy metal poisoning (e.g., lead or mercury) by promoting the excretion of metal ions from the body through chelation.
Cosmetics and Personal Care: Stability and Preservation Enhancer
In cosmetic formulations, sodium edetate serves as a key stabilizer and metal ion chelator. Its main functions include:
Preventing oxidation and discoloration caused by metal ions
Enhancing preservative performance, allowing lower concentrations of synthetic preservatives
Supporting the stability of emulsions and reducing phase separation
Because of its mildness and low irritation profile, EDTAdisodium is widely used in facial cleansers, toners, creams, lotions, serums, sunscreens, shampoos, and conditioners. It is also suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.
Food Industry: Metal Ion Control and Antioxidant Synergy
Within the food industry, sodium edetate (CAS 64-02-8) is used in accordance with regulatory limits as a sequestrant and antioxidant synergist. It binds metal ions that catalyze oxidation, helping to maintain flavor, appearance, and freshness in products such as:
Canned goods and processed foods
Salad dressings and condiments
Dairy-based items and soft drinks
EDTA disodium is often combined with other antioxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, BHT) to enhance preservation. Usage must comply with food safety standards like the FDA GRAS list, EU Food Additive Regulations, and China GB 2760.
Industrial Cleaning and Water Treatment
Sodium edetate CAS 64-02-8 plays a critical role in industrial water treatment systems and cleaning solutions. Applications include:
Softening hard water in boilers and cooling systems
Removing scale, rust, and metal residues in pipelines and condensers
Acting as a metal ion buffer in electroplating baths
Improving surfactant performance in detergents and cleaning agents
Its ability to chelate calcium and magnesium ions enhances cleaning efficiency and prevents equipment scaling, thereby improving operational stability and extending service life.
Agricultural Applications: Micronutrient Carrier and Fertilizer Additive
In agriculture, EDTA disodium is used to chelate micronutrients like iron, zinc, copper, and manganese, making them more bioavailable for plant uptake. It is commonly found in:
Liquid foliar fertilizers
Hydroponic nutrient solutions
Soil amendment products for micronutrient correction
This application improves crop health, resistance to environmental stress, and overall yield.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Sodium edetate (CAS 64-02-8) is recognized as a safe additive by several global regulatory bodies:
Included in the FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list for food and pharmaceutical use
Permitted in cosmetics under the EU Regulation EC 1223/2009
Approved in China’s GB 2760 national standard for food additives
Although EDTA disodium is considered safe under recommended usage levels, high doses or long-term use should be avoided, particularly for individuals with kidney impairment. In industrial or agricultural applications, appropriate environmental safety protocols should be followed to prevent metal ion leaching or ecological imbalance.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
With the rise of “clean label” formulations, reduced preservative systems, and green chemistry initiatives, sodium edetate CAS 64-02-8 is gaining increased attention across industries. Its broad functionality, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with other ingredients make it an attractive choice in:
Functional pharmaceuticals
Sustainable personal care products
Clean, eco-friendly detergents and cleaning agents
Bioavailable plant nutrition solutions
Future developments may include its use in controlled-release systems, microencapsulation, and biodegradable formulations, further expanding its potential in high-performance and environmentally conscious applications.
Conclusion
Sodium edetate (EDTA disodium, CAS 64-02-8) is a high-performance, multifunctional ingredient with strong chelating power and outstanding safety. As industries increasingly focus on sustainability, stability, and transparency, sodium edetate is positioned to remain a key formulation component across a wide range of sectors. Whether used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, foods, or industrial systems, it offers unmatched value in controlling metal ions and ensuring product performance.
