Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (GLDA): A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (GLDA)

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (GLDA), also known as Tetrasodium N,N-Bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamate, is an innovative, eco-friendly chelating agent that has gained significant attention in various industries due to its superior performance and environmental advantages. With the CAS number 51981-21-6, this compound represents a new generation of biodegradable chelators designed to replace traditional, less environmentally friendly alternatives like EDTA, DTPA, and NTA25.

GLDA is derived from L-glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid commonly known as monosodium glutamate (MSG). This natural origin makes it a sustainable choice for industries looking to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high performance standards29.

Chemical and Physical Properties

GLDA presents as a pale yellow viscous liquid in its typical commercial form, though it's also available as a white to slightly yellow granular solid with a minimum effective content of 75%19. The liquid form usually comes as a 40% aqueous solution with a pH of approximately 11±1 at 25°C49.

Key physical and chemical characteristics include:

• Molecular Formula: C9H9NNa4O8

• Molecular Weight: 351.13 g/mol

• Density: 1.30-1.50 g/ml for liquid solutions (25°C)

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water across a wide pH range

• Thermal Stability: Maintains performance stability even under prolonged high-temperature conditions159

One of GLDA's most remarkable features is its excellent chelating capacity for metal ions including calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper. It forms stable, water-soluble complexes with these ions across a broad pH spectrum, from acidic to alkaline environments159.

Applications of GLDA

1. Household and Industrial Cleaning Products

GLDA has become a preferred chelating agent in detergent and cleaning formulations due to its:

• Superior stain and soil removal capabilities

• Hard water ion sequestration (calcium, magnesium)

• Compatibility with various pH conditions

• Synergistic effects with disinfectants and preservatives15

It effectively prevents metal ion-induced discoloration and decomposition of cleaning formulations while enhancing overall cleaning performance9.

2. Cosmetics and Personal Care

In cosmetic applications, GLDA serves as:

• A stabilizer that chelates metal ions which might otherwise degrade product quality

• An enhancer for preservative systems

• A pH buffer in various formulations15

3. Water Treatment

GLDA's metal ion chelation properties make it valuable for:

• Boiler water treatment

• Cooling water systems

• Wastewater treatment to remove heavy metals110

4. Textile and Paper Industries

Applications include:

• Bleach stabilizer in textile processing

• Pulp bleaching aid in paper manufacturing

• Metal ion control in dyeing processes29

5. Metal Surface Treatment

GLDA is used in:

• Metal cleaning formulations

• Surface pretreatment before plating or coating

• Corrosion inhibition19

6. Oilfield Applications

In petroleum production, GLDA serves as:

• A scale inhibitor

• A metal ion sequestrant in drilling fluids

• A component in enhanced oil recovery formulations29

Environmental and Safety Profile

GLDA stands out for its excellent environmental credentials:

• Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable, unlike many traditional chelators

• Phosphate-free: Contributes to reducing eutrophication risks

• Low toxicity: Generally recognized as safe when used properly

• Plant-based origin: Derived from renewable L-glutamic acid125

While comprehensive toxicological data may be limited, current information suggests GLDA has low acute toxicity and minimal skin/eye irritation potential when handled according to standard safety protocols14.

Advantages Over Traditional Chelators

GLDA offers several benefits compared to conventional chelating agents:

1. Environmental Superiority: Biodegradable and non-persistent in ecosystems

2. Performance: Maintains effectiveness across wide pH and temperature ranges

3. Safety: Lower toxicity profile than EDTA or DTPA

4. Regulatory Compliance: Meets increasing restrictions on phosphorus-containing and non-biodegradable chelators

5. Synergistic Effects: Enhances performance of disinfectants and preservatives259

Market Position and Availability

The global chelating agent market continues to grow, with increasing demand for environmentally friendly alternatives like GLDA. Major producing regions include China, where raw material (L-glutamic acid) availability is abundant2.

Key suppliers include:

• Shandong Yuanlian Chemical Co., Ltd.

For purchasing options and detailed specifications, chemical suppliers typically offer both liquid and solid forms of GLDA tailored to various industrial needs.

Conclusion

Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (GLDA) represents a significant advancement in chelating technology, combining high performance with environmental responsibility. Its versatility across multiple industries, from household cleaning to industrial water treatment, positions it as a key player in the transition toward greener chemistry practices.

As regulatory pressures increase on traditional chelators and consumer demand grows for sustainable products, GLDA's market share is expected to expand significantly in coming years. Its balance of effectiveness, safety, and eco-friendliness makes it an attractive choice for formulators across diverse applications.