1. Overview
| Property |
Details |
| CAS Number |
142-73-4 |
| Chemical Name |
Iminodiacetic Acid (IDA) |
| Synonyms |
Glycine diamide diacetic acid, N-(carboxymethyl)iminodiacetic acid |
| Primary Uses |
Chelating agent, intermediate in pharmaceuticals, polymer synthesis, and agrochemicals |
| Production |
Synthesized via cyanamide and chloroacetic acid reaction |
2. Chemical & Physical Properties
| Attribute |
Specification |
| Molecular Formula |
C₄H₇NO₄ |
| Molecular Weight |
133.10 g/mol |
| Appearance |
White crystalline powder |
| Solubility |
Highly soluble in water (≈500 g/L at 20°C); soluble in methanol, ethanol |
| Melting Point |
187–191°C |
| pH (1% solution) |
≈2.5–3.5 |
3. Key Applications
| Industry |
Applications |
| Water Treatment |
Sequestration of metal ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) in boiler systems |
| Pharmaceuticals |
Intermediate for antibiotic synthesis (e.g., cephalosporins) |
| Agrochemicals |
Chelated micronutrient fertilizers (Fe, Zn, Mn) |
| Pulp & Paper |
Hydrogen peroxide stabilizer; bleach enhancement |
| Cleaning Products |
Hard surface cleaners; rust removal formulations |
4. Safety & Environmental Profile
| Aspect |
Information |
| Toxicity |
Moderate irritation to skin/eyes; avoid inhalation (LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg oral) |
| Biodegradability |
Readily biodegradable (>70% in 28 days) |
| Regulatory Status |
Listed in TSCA inventory; REACH-registered; eco-friendly alternative to EDTA |
5. Market Trends
| Region |
Growth Drivers |
| Asia-Pacific |
Expansion of water treatment infrastructure; agrochemical demand |
| Europe |
Transition to biodegradable chelants; stringent environmental regulations |
| North America |
Growth in pharmaceutical intermediates; industrial cleaning sector |
| Global Projection |
Expected CAGR of 4.2% (2024–2030); driven by sustainability trends |
Conclusion
Iminodiacetic Acid (CAS 142-73-4) is a high-performance chelating agent valued for its biodegradability and metal-binding efficiency. Its applications span water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, aligning with global sustainability goals. Market growth is underpinned by rising demand for eco-friendly alternatives and stringent environmental policies, positioning IDA as a cornerstone in green chemistry transitions.
