Application:
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is mainly used to bind metal ions in aqueous solution making EDTA useful in a wide variety of uses as a chelating agent.
It is widely used to dissolve limescale.
In shampoos, cleaners, and other personal care products EDTA salts are used as stabilizers.
EDTA is added to some food as a preservative or stabilizer to prevent catalytic oxidative decoloration, which is catalyzed by metal ions.
In the pulp and paper industry, EDTA inhibits the ability of metal ions, especially Mn2+, from catalyzing the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide, which is used in “chlorine-free bleaching.”