Substance profile
Edetic acid
Edetic acid is crystals from water.
01 · Identification
What Edetic acid is
Edetic acid is crystals from water. Its molecular formula is C10H16N2O8 and its molecular weight is 292.24 g/mol. It melts at 245 °C, is practically insoluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
Other names for Edetic acid
- (EDTA)
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P264, P280, P305, P313, P337, P338
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Edetic acid properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 245 °C (473 °F) | HSDB | |
| 242 °C (467.6 °F) | EDTA disodium dihydrate | HSDB | |
| 240.5 °C (464.9 °F) | range, midpoint shown | HSDB | |
| Density | 0.86 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.86 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | SOL IN SOLN OF ALKALI HYDROXIDES | HSDB | |
| Insoluble in common organic solvents | HSDB | ||
| In water, 1,000 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 1.5e-12 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| Flash point | 100 °C (212 °F) | above this value | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Edetic acid
Storage conditions
Chelating agents, by their very nature, tend to be corrosive to metals such as copper, zinc, and iron. The alkaline salts corrode aluminum severely, and contact with these salts should be avoided. Stainless steel and most polymers or coatings that are able to withstand dilute alkali are acceptable as construction materials. Solid chelating agents should be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid caking. /Chelating agents/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts with strong oxidants, strong bases, copper, copper alloys and nickel.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Edetic acid in the storage compatibility matrix →