Preparation
228.3 kg of glutamate and 92.2 kg of chloroacetic acid were mixed, and then 292.8 kg of 30% sodium hydroxide solution was added. Cooling water was circulated and the mixture was stirred to maintain the system temperature at 50°C. Then, 130.2 kg of 30% sodium hydroxide solution was slowly added to the mixture to carry out the reaction. The reaction temperature was maintained at 80°C for 3 hours to obtain the reaction intermediate.
Synthesis of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate: 166.0 kg of chloroacetic acid was added to the reaction intermediate, and then 468.5 kg of 30% sodium hydroxide solution was slowly added to carry out the reaction. The reaction temperature was maintained at 80°C for 5 hours. After the reaction was completed, the mixture was filtered to obtain the tetrasodium glutamate diacetate filtrate.
Description
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a 'chelating agent'. It usually appears as an odourless white powder that is soluble in water and is used as a multi-purpose, clear, liquid chelating agent and preservative booster. Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate inactivates metallic ions (charged particles) in product formulations, acting as a chelating agent. Free-roaming iron and copper ions in formulations can lead to rapid oxidation. Using a chelating agent helps to slow this process, allowing for the creation of products with improved stability and appearance. Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is often found in sunscreen, facial cleanser, shampoo, makeup, lotion, cleansing wipes, bar soap, and other cleaning products.
Uses
N, N-Bis(Carboxymethyl)-L-glutamic acid tetrasodium salt is a cationic surfactant that has been used in the production of personal care products and industrial cleaners. The compound is soluble in water and can be used as a post-treatment to reduce the redox potential of hydrochloric acid.
Definition
TSGD (Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate) is a high purity, versatile and readily biodegradable chelating agent based upon L-glutamic acid, a natural and renewable raw material. Actives: 47-50%. Excellent chelating effectiveness controlling metal-catalyzed decomposition. Reduces water hardness and prevents precipitations. Boosts performance of preservatives improving shelf life. Stabilizes the pH value and is effective in a wide pH range. Does not sensitize human skin. Completely biodegradable as compared to phosphates and phosphonates. Effective alternative to EDTA.
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Safety
Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate functions as a chelating agent in cosmetics. Following an assessment by the Expert Panel on the Safety of Cosmetic Ingredients, it has been concluded that the use of tetrasodium glutamate diacetate in cosmetics is safe under the conditions of use and at the concentrations specified in this safety assessment
[1].
References
[1] Christina L Burnett. (2025). Safety Assessment of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate and Beta-Alanine Diacetic Acid as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 82S-92S. https://doi.org/
10.1177/10915818251344597
