Cat.No.	Product Name	CAS	Inquiry
PE-0107	Disodium edetate (EDTA)	6381-92-6	Inquiry
PE-0108	Disodium hydrogen phosphate	7558-79-4	Inquiry
PE-0109	DL-tartaric acid	133-37-9	Inquiry
PE-0648	Pentetic Acid	67-43-6	Inquiry
PE-0110	Tannic Acid	1401-55-4	Inquiry

Product Introduction

Chelating agents are compounds that have the ability to form coordination complexes with metal ions and bind to them through multiple coordination sites. Chelating agents are used in medicine to treat metal toxicity, and chelation therapy involves the administration of chelating agents that bind to metal ions in the body to help eliminate them. Some common chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Tannic Acid, and DL-tartaric acid.

How Chelating Agents Work

Ligands on chelating agents can include functional groups, such as amino, carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, thiol, crown ether or phosphonate groups, which have a high affinity for metal ions. The chelating agent can selectively bind to certain metal ions depending on the ligand site and the properties of the metal ion.

Once a chelator binds to a metal ion, it can prevent the metal ion from participating in unwanted reactions or it can target the metal ion for removal from the body. In cases of metal toxicity, chelating agents such as EDTA can bind to metal ions in the blood to form a complex that is excreted through the urine.

Characteristics of chelating agents

• Selectivity

Chelating agents can selectively bind certain metal ions, depending on the structure and properties of the chelating agent. This selectivity can be used to separate metal ions from mixtures, or to target specific metal ions in medical treatments.

• Solubility

Many chelating agents are water soluble, which makes them more readily available for a variety of applications, including medical therapies and water treatment.

• Biodegradability

Many chelating agents are biodegradable, which means they can be broken down by natural processes and do not accumulate in the environment.

• Stability

Chelating agents form stable complexes with metal ions, which is useful for preventing unwanted reactions or for stabilizing metal ions in a variety of applications.

• Low toxicity

Many chelating agents are relatively non-toxic to humans and the environment, which makes them suitable for use in a variety of applications. However, some chelating agents can be toxic if ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin, so appropriate precautions should be taken when handling them.