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.
