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MOSINTER Chelating agent / Biodegradable

Trisodium salt of methylglycinediacetic acid

Methylglycine Diacetic Acid Trisodium Salt (MGDA-3NA) — transparent light yellow liquid, content 39% min.

CAS No. 164462-16-2
MGDA-3Na Content ≥ 39%
Appearance Light Yellow Clear Liquid
pH value (1% aqueous solution) 10.0 — 12.0
NTA ≤ 0.1%
Quality Assurance
Own Manufacturing
Biodegradable

Technical specifications

Technical Specifications

Test Parameters Standard
Content (%) 39.00% Min.
pH (1% aqueous solution, 25°C) 10.0 — 12.0
NTA (%) ≤ 0.1% Max.
Appearance Light Yellow Clear Liquid

Basic Information

ProjectDescription
Chemical NameTrisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate
English nameMethylglycine Diacetic Acid Trisodium Salt
AbbreviationMGDA-3NA
CAS No.164462-16-2
Molecular FormulaC7H11NO6·3Na
Molecular weight271.11
AppearanceLight Yellow Clear Liquid
BiodegradabilityYes (OECD 301B test)

Product description

Product overview

Methylglycinediacetic acid trisodium salt (MGDA-3Na) is a new biodegradable complexing agent. The product is a clear light-yellow liquid, MGDA-3Na content ≥39%, pH (1% aqueous solution) 10.0-12.0, NTA content ≤0.1%. MGDA is derived from the natural amino acid glycine, has excellent complexing ability and full biodegradability, making it an ideal replacement for traditional complexing agents such as EDTA and NTA.

Key Advantages

  • BiodegradableMGDA is fully biodegradable in the natural environment, which aligns with eco-friendly development trends.
  • High-performance chelationExhibits excellent chelating ability towards metal ions such as Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺.
  • Low NTA ContentNTA content ≤0.1%, significantly lower than conventional products, ensuring greater safety and environmental friendliness.
  • High-concentration formula39% high content, higher active ingredient proportion
  • Good SolubilityClear, light yellow liquid, easily compatible and simple to apply.
  • Moderate AlkalinitypH 10.0–12.0, suitable for various formulation systems.

Comparison of Product Advantages

Characteristics MGDA-3NA EDTA
Biodegradability Fully biodegradable Hardly degradable
Environmental safety Environmental friendliness There is a risk of accumulation in the environment
Chelating capacity (pH range) Effective across a wide pH range Reduced effectiveness at pH >10
Skin Irritation Low irritation Moderate Irritation

Area of application

Detergent
Dishwashing detergent
Personal hygiene products
Indoor cleaning

Area of application

Laundry, dishwashing and personal care products

Used in cleaning and personal care products such as liquid and powder laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, dishwasher detergents, shampoos, shower gels, liquid soaps.

  • Chelates Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions in water, softening it.
  • Improves detergency of laundry products
  • Scale Prevention
  • Mild and low-irritating effect on skin

Indoor cleaning

Used in multi-purpose cleaners, floor cleaners, and other household cleaning products.

  • Removal of limescale from hard surfaces
  • Enhancement of Detergent Action
  • Suitable for various cleaning formulations
  • Environmentally friendly formulation
Precautions for storage and use
  • Store in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse, protected from direct sunlight.
  • Stack carefully, handle with care, avoid damage to packaging.
  • Avoid storing together with strong acids, strong oxidizers, and other substances.
  • When using, it is recommended to wear protective gloves and avoid prolonged skin contact.
  • In case of eye contact, immediately flush with plenty of water and seek medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

This product is supplied for export; export documents provided include:

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin (CO)
  • SDS/MSDS (Multilingual Version)
  • Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Specific minimum order quantities (MOQs) and packaging options can be confirmed by contacting our commercial team via the inquiry form.

Store in original packaging, tightly sealed, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Shelf Life is12 monthsStorage precautions:

  • Avoid direct sunlight and freezing
  • Avoid contact with sharp objects to prevent damage to packaging
  • Recommended storage temperature 5–35°C

MGDA-3NA is a powerful chelating agent with superior ability to bind a wide range of metal ions.

  • Calcium and Magnesium IonsEffectively softens water, prevents scale formation
  • Iron ionEspecially under high alkalinity conditions, effectively chelates ferric ions, preventing discoloration and precipitation.
  • Copper and zinc ionsStable in detergents and personal care formulations
  • Manganese ionPrevention of oxidation and color change

Its stability constant (log K) is approximately 13–14, providing good complexing effect for most divalent and trivalent metal ions.

MGDA-3NA demonstrates excellent stability under high alkalinity conditions, which is one of its key advantages.

  • High alkali resistanceMaintains good chelating ability at pH above 12, does not degrade or lose effectiveness.
  • Good thermal stabilityCan be used at temperatures up to 60°C, suitable for hot water detergent formulations.
  • Hydrolysis-resistantIn alkaline conditions, hydrolysis is hindered, ensuring long-term stability.

This makes it especially suitable for use in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and other applications requiring highly alkaline formulations.

MGDA-3NA is a truly biodegradable complexing agent:

  • Decomposition RateBiodegradability exceeds 80% in 28 days, complies with OECD 302B standard.
  • Decomposition MechanismFirst decomposes under enzyme action into intermediates: iminodiacetic acid and acetate.
  • Final productFully mineralizes into carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen, leaving no harmful residues.
  • Eco-friendlyNo long-term risk of accumulation in soil and water bodies; does not affect microbial activity

MGDA-3Na has excellent compatibility with various surfactants:

  • Anionic surfactantSuch as LAS, AES, AOS, etc., has good compatibility without negative interactions.
  • Nonionic surfactantFor example, alkoxylates, good synergistic effect
  • Amphoteric SurfactantCompatibility and stability
  • Cationic surfactantAttention must be paid to formulation development; preliminary testing is recommended.

Unlike EDTA and NTA, MGDA-3Na does not form insoluble complexes with anionic surfactants, preventing formulation cloudiness and reduced efficacy.

Liquid product MGDA-3NA has a pale yellow color, which is normal due to:

  • Sodium salt characteristicsMethylglycinediacetic acid trisodium salt (MGDA-3Na) itself is slightly yellowish, which is its chemical characteristic.
  • Production technologyDuring the synthesis process, trace impurities may form, causing slight coloration.
  • Storage FactorsProlonged storage may slightly intensify color, but does not affect quality.

Light yellow color does not affect usage efficiency. In laundry and cleaning formulations, typical dosage is 0.5–2%; color does not affect final product appearance.

MGDA-3NA itself does not corrode metals, but when using, consider:

  • Storage containerIt is recommended to use containers made of PE, PP, or 304/316 stainless steel; avoid using carbon steel and aluminum.
  • Feeding systemUse stainless steel, plastic, or internally anti-corrosion coated pipes.
  • Compatibility and precautionsAvoid direct mixing with strong acids to prevent corrosion due to localized excessive pH drop.
  • Cleaning recommendationsAfter use, rinse equipment with clean water to prevent concentration of residual solution.

At normal application rates (0.5-2%), MGDA-3NA is safe and harmless to materials such as stainless steel and plastic.

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