Nltrilotriacetic acid as a chelating agent: Applications, toxicology, and bio‐environmental impact

Abstract

The chelating characteristics of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) are presented and illustrated with respect to its application in medicine, pharmacy, industry (including detergent formulations), agriculture, and the food industry. The analytical chemistry of NTA is presented with respect to its application as an analytical reagent as well as in the separation and determination of NTA itself. A brief account on the toxicology and bio‐environmental aspects of this chelating agent is also part of this review. Special attention is paid to the controversy generated around NTA and its trisodium salt as a possible substituent for phosphate in heavy‐duty detergent formulations. A table of stability constants for metal complexes of NTA (including mixed‐ligand species) is also presented.