EDTA

EDTA is the chemical compound ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid. EDTA or its disodium salt is a chelating agent, forming coordination compoundss with most divalent (or trivalent) metal ions, such as calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺).

Uses

EDTA is used extensively in the laboratory to scavenge metal ions, for metal ion titrations, and in buffers. It is also used to determine water hardness and as a water softener.

EDTA is used in medicine as an anticoagulant, and is added to some processed foods and especially cosmetics as a preservative. A somewhat controversial therapy, called chelation therapy has evolved around metal scavengers such as EDTA.