Use
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tetrasodium salt (also named as sodium edetate) can be formed by reacting a basic solution of ethylenediamine with formaldehyde and sodium or hydrogen cyanide, followed by hydrolysis to form the salt. It can also be produced by using excess sodium hydroxide in the reaction.1 In medicine, sodium edetate is used a s chelating agent to remove heavy metal, such as lead or mercury, from the blood. It is used to lower blood levels of calcium, to control heart rhythm disturbances cased by a heart medication.2 In food industry, it is used as an additive in flume water for washing fruits and vegetables. In industry, it is used in the formulations of anti-adhesive agents, corrosion inhibitors, anti-scaling agents, lubricant additives, surface active agents, etc.3,4 It is also used in photo-chemicals, textile treatment products and dyes, biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest control products) and polishes and waxes.5