EDTA
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Chemistry
| Stands for | Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
EDTA stands for Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a chemistry abbreviation also used in medicine.
Chelating agent that wraps around metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, iron and lead, holding them tightly in solution. EDTA softens water, preserves foods and cosmetics, keeps blood samples from clotting in lavender-top tubes, and as calcium disodium EDTA treats lead poisoning.
Example: Collect the sample in an EDTA tube and invert gently eight times to prevent clotting.
Usage notes
Ferdinand Münz first synthesized EDTA in 1935. One molecule binds a metal ion through six atoms, forming a very stable complex. EDTA titrations are a classic way to measure water hardness. Because it biodegrades poorly, EDTA persists in wastewater and can remobilize heavy metals from sediments.
Related abbreviations
More chemistry abbreviations
- DDT – Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
- DFT – Density functional theory
- DI – Deionized (water)
- DMF – Dimethylformamide
- DMSO – Dimethyl sulfoxide
- DSC – Differential scanning calorimetry
- EPR – Electron paramagnetic resonance
- EPS – Expanded polystyrene
- equiv – Equivalent(s)
- ESI – Electrospray ionization
- Et – Ethyl group
- EtOAc – Ethyl acetate