139-13-9

Odorless white solid. Sinks in and mixes with water.

NITRILOTRIACETIC ACID(139-13-9) is incompatible with strong oxidizers, aluminum, copper, copper alloy and nickel. NITRILOTRIACETIC ACID(139-13-9) is also incompatible with strong bases.

Water Insoluble.

Possible carcinogen.

Toxicity and health hazard of these compounds are low. Contact with eyes causes irritation.

Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) was used as a phosphate replacement in laundry detergents in the late 1960s. In 1971, the use of NTA was discontinued. The possibility of resumed use arose in 1980. NTA is now used in laundry detergents in states where phosphates are banned. NTA is also used as a boiler feed-water additive at a maximum use level of 5 ppm of trisodium salt. Currently, the remaining nondetergent uses of NTA are for water treatment, textile treatment; metal plating and cleaning; and pulp and paper processing.

Flash point data for this chemical are not available; however, NITRILOTRIACETIC ACID is probably combustible.

Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin. Keep victim warm and quiet. Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Medical observation is recommended for 24 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema, a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a drug or other inhalation therapy.

UN2811 Toxic solids, organic, n.o.s., Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1-Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required.

Dust may form explosive mixture with air. Compounds of the carboxyl group react with all bases, both inorganic and organic (i.e., amines) releasing substantial heat, water and a salt that may be harmful. Incompatible with arsenic compounds (releases hydrogen cyanide gas), diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, isocyanates, mercaptans, nitrides, and sulfides (releasing heat, toxic and possibly flammable gases), thiosulfates and dithionites (releasing hydrogen sulfate and oxides of sulfur). Attacks aluminum, copper, copper alloy and nickel.

Nitrilotriacetic acid is a crystalline compound.

White, crystalline powder.Insoluble in water and most organic solvents; forms mono-, di-, and tribasic salts that are water soluble. Combustible. 70% biodegradable.

Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.

Nitrilotriacetic acid is a chelating agent which forms coordination compounds with metal ions. Nitrilotriacetic acid is used in complexometric titrations and as well as for protein isolation and purif ication in the His-tag method.

Nitrilotriacetic acid is a chelating agent which forms coordination compounds with metal ions. Nitrilotriacetic acid is used in complexometric titrations and as well as for protein isolation and purification in the His-tag method. This compound is a contaminant of emerging concern (CECs).

Used in sequestration of metals; chelometric analysis.

ChEBI: Nitrilotriacetic acid is a tricarboxylic acid and a NTA. It has a role as a nephrotoxic agent and a carcinogenic agent. It is a conjugate acid of a nitrilotriacetate(1-).

The synthesis of nitrilotriacetic acid involves the following steps:
Chloroacetic acid is reacted with sodium hydroxide to produce sodium chloroacetate.
Sodium chloroacetate then reacts with ammonium chloride to form sodium aminotriacetate.
The resulting sodium aminotriacetate is acidified to obtain nitrilotriacetic acid.

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 15, p. 46, 1950 DOI: 10.1021/jo01147a008

Nonflammable

Nitrilotriacetic (NTA) has the ability to link with histidine side chain of proteins. It can be used in fluorescent labelling, hexahistidine (His6)-tagged proteins for purification and surface immobilization.

Nitrilotriacetic acid is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.

Crystallise it from water and dry it at 110o. [Beilstein 4 IV 2441.]