Nitrilotriacetic acid

Chemical properties

Nitrilotriacetic acid, also known as NTA, is a white crystalline powder. It can dissolve in ammonia and alkali solutions while being slightly soluble in hot water. However, it is insoluble in water and most organic solvents. NTA can form mono-, di-, and tribasic salts, all of which are soluble in water. Combustible. 70% biodegradable.

The Uses of Nitrilotriacetic acid

Nitrilotriacetic acid is a chelating agent which forms coordination compounds with metal ions. Nitrilotriacetic acid is used in complexometric titrations and as well as for protein isolation and purif ication in the His-tag method.

The Uses of Nitrilotriacetic acid

Used in sequestration of metals; chelometric analysis.

The Uses of Nitrilotriacetic acid

Nitrilotriacetic acid is a chelating agent which forms coordination compounds with metal ions. Nitrilotriacetic acid is used in complexometric titrations and as well as for protein isolation and purification in the His-tag method. This compound is a contaminant of emerging concern (CECs).

What are the applications of Application

Nitrilotriacetic acid is acts as an excellent chelating agent

Definition

ChEBI: Nitrilotriacetic acid is a tricarboxylic acid and a NTA. It has a role as a nephrotoxic agent and a carcinogenic agent. It is a conjugate acid of a nitrilotriacetate(1-).

Preparation

The synthesis of nitrilotriacetic acid involves the following steps:
Chloroacetic acid is reacted with sodium hydroxide to produce sodium chloroacetate.
Sodium chloroacetate then reacts with ammonium chloride to form sodium aminotriacetate.
The resulting sodium aminotriacetate is acidified to obtain nitrilotriacetic acid.

Synthesis Reference(s)

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 15, p. 46, 1950 DOI: 10.1021/jo01147a008

General Description

Odorless white solid. Sinks in and mixes with water.

Air & Water Reactions

Water Insoluble.

Reactivity Profile

Nitrilotriacetic acid is incompatible with strong oxidizers, aluminum, copper, copper alloy and nickel. Nitrilotriacetic acid is also incompatible with strong bases.

Hazard

Possible carcinogen.

Health Hazard

Toxicity and health hazard of these compounds are low. Contact with eyes causes irritation.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data for Nitrilotriacetic acid are not available; however, Nitrilotriacetic acid is probably combustible.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Biochem/physiol Actions

Nitrilotriacetic (NTA) has the ability to link with histidine side chain of proteins. It can be used in fluorescent labelling, hexahistidine (His6)-tagged proteins for purification and surface immobilization.

Safety Profile

Confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic and neoplastigenic data. Poison by intraperitoneal route. Moderately toxic by ingestion. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx,.

Potential Exposure

Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) was used as a phosphate replacement in laundry detergents in the late 1960s. In 1971, the use of NTA was discontinued. The possibility of resumed use arose in 1980. NTA is now used in laundry detergents in states where phosphates are banned. NTA is also used as a boiler feed-water additive at a maximum use level of 5 ppm of trisodium salt. Currently, the remaining nondetergent uses of NTA are for water treatment, textile treatment; metal plating and cleaning; and pulp and paper processing.

Carcinogenicity

Nitrilotriacetic acid is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.

Shipping

UN2811 Toxic solids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required.

Purification Methods

Crystallise it from water and dry it at 110o. [Beilstein 4 IV 2441.]

Incompatibilities

Dust may form explosive mixture with air. Compounds of the carboxyl group react with all bases, both inorganic and organic (i.e., amines) releasing substantial heat, water and a salt that may be harmful. Incompatible with arsenic compounds (releases hydrogen cyanide gas), diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides (releasing heat, toxic and possibly flammable gases), thiosulfates and dithionites (releasing hydrogen sulfate and oxides of sulfur). Attacks aluminum, copper, copper alloy and nickel.

Waste Disposal

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.