Mob.:
+86 156 3115 5652
Mob.:
+86 156 3115 5652
E-mail:
thinkdo_calvin@126.com/thinkdochem@126.com
Mob.:
+86 156 3115 5652
Mob.:
+86 156 3115 5652
E-mail:
thinkdo_calvin@126.com/thinkdochem@126.com
IDS and Other Chelator Products
MGDA/MGDA-3Na/N,N-BIS(CARBOXYLATOMETHYL)ALANINE TRISODIUM SALT/TRISODIUM DICARBOXYMETHYL ALANINATE
MGDA, or N,N-Bis(carboxymethyl)alanine trisodium salt, is an organic compound in the amino carboxylic acid chelating agent class. Its molecular structure includes functional groups like methyl, amino, and carboxyl, which enable effective chelation with metal ions.
MGDA boasts excellent water solubility, making it ideal for various aqueous systems. This property allows MGDA to be utilized in formulations that require efficient metal ion chelation, enhancing product stability and performance.
Here are the essential specifications for MGDA, including appearance, content, and pH levels, highlighting its effectiveness as a chelating agent.
| Item | Liquid Grade (40% Active Content) | Solid Grade (98% Purity) |
| CAS No. | 164462-16-2 | 164462-16-2 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid | White crystalline powder |
| Active Content | ≥40.0% | ≥98.0% |
| pH Value (1% Solution) | 10.0~12.0 | 10.5~12.5 |
| Solubility in Water (25℃) | Completely soluble | ≥150 g/L |
| Biodegradation Rate (28 days) | ≥90% | ≥90% |
| Melting Point (Solid Grade) | — | 210~215℃ (decomposition) |
| Density (Liquid Grade, 25℃) | 1.20~1.25 g/cm³ | — |
| Heavy Metal Content | ≤10 ppm | ≤10 ppm |
Note: All specifications for Trisodium Methylglycinediacetate (MGDA, MGDA-3Na) meet relevant national and international standards. Customized grades and concentrations can be provided based on specific application needs.
Trisodium Methylglycinediacetate, commonly called MGDA or MGDA-3Na, is a water-soluble chelating agent with a stable molecular structure. It’s produced through a controlled chemical process that guarantees high purity and consistent performance, making it suitable for industrial, agricultural, and household use. Unlike many traditional chelating agents, MGDA (MGDA-3Na) is fully biodegradable—a key feature as industries move toward more sustainable, eco-friendly chemical solutions.
MGDA (MGDA-3Na) works by forming stable complexes with various metal ions, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and heavy metals. This chelating action helps prevent scaling, boosts nutrient availability, and enhances the effectiveness of other formulations—all while being low in toxicity and having minimal impact on the environment. Its versatility and ability to mix well with other chemicals make MGDA (MGDA-3Na) a practical choice for many different uses.
• Fully Biodegradable: Breaks down completely in natural settings, meeting strict biodegradation standards and reducing long-term environmental harm.
• Strong Chelating Power: Forms stable complexes with a wide range of metal ions, even in extreme pH and temperature conditions, ensuring reliable performance in tough environments.
• Low Toxicity & Safety: Non-irritating to skin and eyes, non-toxic to aquatic life at recommended doses, and safe for use in food-contact and agricultural settings.
• Excellent Compatibility: Mixes well with most surfactants, fertilizers, pesticides, and industrial additives—no precipitation or reduced efficacy occurs.
• Wide pH Adaptability: Maintains stable chelating performance across a broad pH range (3.0–11.0), making it suitable for diverse use cases.
Industrial cleaning: In the field of industrial cleaning, MGDA can effectively chelate metal ions such as calcium and magnesium in water. For example, during the cleaning process of metal surfaces, it can prevent metal ions in water from forming scale or other deposits on the cleaned metal surface, thereby improving the cleaning quality and making the metal surface smoother.
Detergent industry: Adding MGDA to detergent formulations can bind with calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, avoiding their reaction with active ingredients in the detergent and enhancing its cleaning ability. And it has good biodegradability, which is more environmentally friendly compared to some traditional chelating agents, in line with the development trend of modern detergent green environmental protection.
MGDA (MGDA-3Na) is widely used in industrial water treatment as a scale inhibitor and metal ion sequestering agent, fitting for circulating water systems, boilers, and cooling towers.
• Scale Inhibition: Prevents calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, and magnesium scale from forming on equipment surfaces, cutting maintenance costs and improving heat transfer efficiency.
• Metal Sequestration: Chelates heavy metal ions (such as iron, copper, and nickel) in water, preventing corrosion and extending industrial equipment life.
• Cleaning Auxiliary: Used in industrial cleaning formulations to remove scale and metal deposits from equipment, boosting cleaning efficiency without damaging surfaces.
In agriculture, MGDA (MGDA-3Na) acts as a trace element chelating agent and fertilizer synergist, suitable for all crop types and soil conditions.
• Trace Element Chelation: Binds iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, making these nutrients accessible to crops and preventing deficiency diseases (e.g., leaf chlorosis, stunted growth).
• Fertilizer Synergist: When mixed with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers, it improves nutrient absorption and reduces leaching, boosting fertilizer efficiency and lowering environmental impact.
• Soil Improvement: Helps release locked nutrients in soil, improving soil fertility and reducing the need for extra fertilizers.
MGDA (MGDA-3Na) is a key ingredient in household and institutional cleaning products, thanks to its chelating and cleaning-enhancing properties.
• Laundry Detergents: Prevents mineral deposits on fabrics and washing machines, improving cleaning performance and keeping fabrics bright.
• Dishwashing Liquids & Tablets: Breaks down hard water minerals, preventing spots on dishes and improving foam stability.
• All-Purpose Cleaners: Boosts cleaning efficiency by removing mineral deposits and hard water stains from surfaces like sinks, tiles, and glass.
MGDA (MGDA-3Na) is used in personal care products as a chelating agent to improve product stability and performance.
• Skin Care Products: Chelates metal ions in the formula, preventing oxidation and discoloration, and extending product shelf life.
• Hair Care Products: Reduces mineral buildup on hair, improving manageability and preventing dullness from hard water.
• Cosmetics: Maintains product stability by preventing metal ion-induced reactions, ensuring consistent color and texture.
• Food Industry: MGDA (MGDA-3Na) is used as a food additive (chelating agent) to prevent oxidation and maintain product quality, meeting food safety standards.
• Textile Industry: MGDA (MGDA-3Na) is used in textile printing and dyeing to chelate metal ions in water, improving dyeing uniformity and color fastness.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: MGDA (MGDA-3Na) is used as a chelating agent in pharmaceutical formulations to improve drug stability and bioavailability.
As a fully biodegradable chelating agent, MGDA (MGDA-3Na) does not build up in soil, water, or ecosystems. It breaks down into non-toxic byproducts, making it a more sustainable alternative to non-biodegradable chelators like EDTA, which can persist in the environment.
The unique molecular structure of MGDA (MGDA-3Na) lets it bind tightly to metal ions, even in hard water or high-temperature environments. This makes it effective at preventing scaling in industrial systems and improving trace element availability in agriculture.
MGDA (MGDA-3Na) is non-irritating to human skin and eyes, and poses minimal risk to aquatic organisms when used as directed. This safety makes it suitable for household cleaning products, food-contact applications, and organic agriculture.
It works effectively across multiple industries—from industrial water treatment and agriculture to household cleaning and personal care. Its compatibility with other chemicals means it can be easily added to existing formulations without major changes.
While its unit cost may be slightly higher than traditional chelators, MGDA’s high efficiency means less product is needed to get the same results. This reduces overall usage and long-term costs, especially in large-scale industrial applications.
Unlike some chelating agents that lose effectiveness in extreme pH or temperature, MGDA maintains its chelating power in both acidic and alkaline environments, as well as in high-temperature processes like industrial cleaning or sterilization.
1. Environmental compliance issues with non-biodegradable chelators, leading to regulatory penalties or market access barriers.
Solution: MGDA (MGDA-3Na) is fully biodegradable and meets global environmental standards, helping businesses avoid regulatory fines and meet the growing demand for sustainable products. It replaces non-biodegradable alternatives like EDTA, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations worldwide.
2. Scaling in industrial equipment, reducing efficiency and increasing maintenance costs.
Solution: MGDA (MGDA-3Na) effectively chelates calcium and magnesium ions in water, preventing scale from forming on equipment surfaces. This reduces maintenance frequency, extends equipment life, and keeps industrial circulating water systems, boilers, and pipelines running efficiently.
3. Low availability of trace elements in agricultural soils, leading to poor crop growth and reduced yields.
Solution: MGDA (MGDA-3Na) chelates iron, zinc, manganese, and other trace elements, preventing them from being locked in soil components. This makes nutrients more accessible to crops, improving growth, reducing nutrient waste, and boosting yields without increasing fertilizer use.
4. Irritation or toxicity from chelating agents, posing risks to workers, consumers, or the environment.
Solution: MGDA (MGDA-3Na)’s low toxicity and non-irritating properties make it safe for workers to handle and suitable for consumer products like household cleaners. It does not harm aquatic life when released into waterways, lowering environmental risks.
5. Poor compatibility with other formulation ingredients, leading to precipitation or reduced efficacy.
Solution: MGDA (MGDA-3Na) mixes well with surfactants, fertilizers, pesticides, and other additives—no chemical reactions or precipitation occur. This simplifies formulation processes and ensures the final product works as intended.
6. Ineffective chelation in extreme pH or temperature conditions, limiting application scope.
Solution: MGDA (MGDA-3Na) maintains stable performance across a wide pH range and in high-temperature environments, making it suitable for challenging uses like industrial cleaning, high-temperature water treatment, and acidic or alkaline agricultural soils.
| Form | Packaging Options |
| liquid | 250 kg/drum |
| 1250 kg/IBC | |
| As client's request | |
| Solid | 25 kg/bag |
| As client's request |
• Liquid Grade: Packed in 25kg food-grade plastic barrels or 250kg IBC tanks. Customized packaging (10kg, 100kg barrels) is available for small-batch orders.
• Solid Grade: Packed in 25kg moisture-proof plastic woven bags with an inner polyethylene liner to prevent moisture absorption. Smaller packaging (1kg, 5kg) is available for laboratory, small-scale, or consumer use.
• Labeling: Each package is clearly labeled with the product name (Trisodium Methylglycinediacetate, MGDA, MGDA-3Na), grade, active content, net weight, production date, shelf life, manufacturer, and safety instructions, complying with international labeling standards.
• Storage Conditions: Store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures (ideal storage temperature: 5–30℃). Do not store it outdoors or in humid environments.
• Sealing: Keep packages tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption (solid grade) or leakage (liquid grade). Store it separately from strong acids, oxidants, and other incompatible substances.
• Shelf Life: 12 months for liquid grade and 24 months for solid grade when stored according to recommended conditions. Do not use it if the product shows signs of discoloration, deterioration, or sediment.
• Transportation: Transport it as a non-dangerous good. Avoid violent collisions, sun exposure, and rain during transportation. Handle it with care to prevent package damage and leakage. For food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade products, transport them in a clean, pollution-free environment.
When handling MGDA, it is essential to take protective measures to prevent contact with eyes, skin, and the respiratory tract, ensuring a safe working environment.
• Circulating Water Systems: Add liquid MGDA (MGDA-3Na) at a dose of 5–20 mg/L, depending on water hardness and system conditions. It can be used alone or mixed with corrosion inhibitors for better performance. Feed it continuously into the system to keep concentrations consistent.
• Boiler Water Treatment: Add liquid MGDA (MGDA-3Na) at a dose of 10–30 mg/L to prevent scale formation. Adjust the dose based on boiler pressure and water hardness. Test the water regularly to ensure optimal concentrations.
• Industrial Cleaning: Dilute liquid MGDA (MGDA-3Na) to 1–5% (v/v) with water, apply it to soiled surfaces, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before rinsing. For heavy scale, increase the concentration to 5–10%.
• Foliar Spraying: Dilute liquid MGDA (MGDA-3Na) to 500–800 times (0.1–0.2% v/v) and spray it on crop leaves during the seedling, flowering, and fruiting stages. Apply it once every 7–10 days, for a total of 2–3 applications. Avoid spraying in direct sunlight or high temperatures.
• Root Irrigation: Dilute liquid MGDA (MGDA-3Na) to 800–1000 times and apply it via drip irrigation or flood irrigation. Use it 1–2 times per crop growth cycle, at a rate of 8–12 kg per mu (1 mu ≈ 0.067 hectares).
• Fertilizer Mixing: Mix 100–200g of solid MGDA (MGDA-3Na) with 50kg of compound fertilizer or trace element fertilizer, and apply it as base fertilizer or topdressing. Make sure to mix it uniformly to avoid uneven nutrient distribution.
• Laundry Detergents: Add 0.5–1.0% (w/w) solid MGDA (MGDA-3Na) to detergent formulations, mixing it uniformly with other ingredients (surfactants, builders) during production.
• Dishwashing Products: Add 1–2% (w/w) liquid MGDA (MGDA-3Na) to dishwashing liquids or tablets to improve hard water performance. Adjust the dose based on the desired cleaning effect.
• All-Purpose Cleaners: Dilute liquid MGDA (MGDA-3Na) to 0.5–1.0% (v/v) with water, add it to cleaning solutions, and use it as directed for surface cleaning.
• Skin Care & Hair Care: Add 0.1–0.5% (w/w) solid MGDA (MGDA-3Na) to formulations, mixing it uniformly during the production process. Check compatibility with other ingredients (emulsifiers, preservatives) before large-scale use.
Always run a small-scale test before using MGDA (MGDA-3Na) on a large scale to determine the optimal dose for your specific application. Avoid contact with strong acids, as this can reduce chelating efficiency. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling it; if it touches your skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Keep it away from children and pets, and do not ingest it. For food and pharmaceutical applications, strictly follow relevant regulatory guidelines and dose limits.
Our sales and technical teams can work with you to understand your requirements and recommend the most appropriate product based on your application and conditions.
Yes, please refer to the safety data sheets provided for each product for detailed handling and safety instructions.
Yes, upon request and subject to certain conditions, we can provide samples for your evaluation and testing.
Yes, we have a dedicated technical support team available to assist customers with any questions or issues related to the use of our products.
We have strict quality control processes in place, including raw material inspection, in-process monitoring, and final product testing to ensure consistent quality.
