What is Nitrilotriacetic Acid (NTA)?

Nitrilotriacetic acid is an aminopolycarboxylic acid chelating agent with CAS 139-13-9 and molecular formula C₆H₉NO₆. It is a white crystalline free acid, distinct from its more water-soluble sodium NTA salts.

What is NTA used for?

It binds metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, copper and iron, so it is used in water softening, boiler water treatment, detergents, cleaners, textile processing and electroplating.

How does NTA compare with EDTA?

NTA and EDTA are both aminopolycarboxylic acid chelators, but NTA is generally more biodegradable and often used as a phosphate-free or lower-persistence builder. The choice depends on metal selectivity, formulation pH and environmental requirements.

Why is the free acid sometimes less suitable than NTA salts?

The free acid has low water solubility, while mono-, di- or trisodium NTA salts dissolve more readily in aqueous formulations. Many cleaning and water-treatment applications convert NTA to the appropriate salt for better compatibility.

How should NTA be stored and handled?

Keep it in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area, away from strong oxidizers, strong bases and incompatible metals such as aluminum, copper and nickel. Use dust control and appropriate PPE when handling the powder.

Nitrilotriacetic Acid CAS 139-13-9

Nitrilotriacetic Acid (NTA), CAS 139-13-9, is an aminopolycarboxylic acid chelating agent that sequesters calcium, magnesium, copper and iron to form stable water-soluble complexes. It is used in water treatment, phosphate-free detergents, textile processing and electroplating. Confirm the required grade and salt form, then request a quotation with COA/TDS/SDS for bulk supply.

CAS: 139-13-9
Synonyms: NTA, N,N-Bis(carboxymethyl)glycine, Aminotriacetic acid, Triglycine
Einecs: 205-355-7
Molecular Formula: C₆H₉NO₆
Grade: Industrial grade 99%
Package: 200kg iron drum or 50kg plastic drum packing

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Product Description

Nitrilotriacetic Acid (NTA), CAS 139-13-9, is N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)glycine, an aminopolycarboxylic acid chelating agent; the EC/EINECS number is 205-355-7.

Synonyms: NTA; N,N-Bis(carboxymethyl)glycine; Aminotriacetic acid; Triglycine.

CAS: 139-13-9.

Molecular formula: C₆H₉NO₆.

Molecular weight: 191.14.

EC number: 205-355-7.

It is a white crystalline powder; the melting point is about 241-245 °C with decomposition and the density about 1.61 g/cm³. The free acid is sparingly soluble in water and soluble in ammonia and alkali solutions.

It sequesters calcium, magnesium, copper and iron ions to form stable water-soluble complexes.

It is produced from ammonia, formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide, or by reaction of chloroacetic acid with ammonia.

It is used in water softening and boiler water treatment.

It is used as a phosphate-free builder in detergents and cleaners.

It is used in textile processing, electroplating and photographic development.

Compared with EDTA it is generally more biodegradable; confirm the salt form, such as mono-, di- or trisodium NTA, for aqueous formulations.

Confirm assay, heavy metals, iron, chloride and water content.

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from strong oxidizers and strong bases; use dust control and suitable PPE.

Confirm the current product-specific specification.

Confirm packaging with the requested quantity and destination requirements.

Document requirements should be confirmed from the current specification, SDS, COA, or other product-specific files.

The page is an RFQ entry point and does not state stock, price, MOQ, or fixed lead time.

For an RFQ, state the intended use, required specification, quantity, packaging, destination, and document needs.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Nitrilotriacetic Acid (NTA)?

A: Nitrilotriacetic acid is an aminopolycarboxylic acid chelating agent with CAS 139-13-9 and molecular formula C₆H₉NO₆. It is a white crystalline free acid, distinct from its more water-soluble sodium NTA salts.
Q:
What is NTA used for?

A: It binds metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, copper and iron, so it is used in water softening, boiler water treatment, detergents, cleaners, textile processing and electroplating.
Q:
How does NTA compare with EDTA?

A: NTA and EDTA are both aminopolycarboxylic acid chelators, but NTA is generally more biodegradable and often used as a phosphate-free or lower-persistence builder. The choice depends on metal selectivity, formulation pH and environmental requirements.
Q:
Why is the free acid sometimes less suitable than NTA salts?

A: The free acid has low water solubility, while mono-, di- or trisodium NTA salts dissolve more readily in aqueous formulations. Many cleaning and water-treatment applications convert NTA to the appropriate salt for better compatibility.
Q:
How should NTA be stored and handled?

A: Keep it in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area, away from strong oxidizers, strong bases and incompatible metals such as aluminum, copper and nickel. Use dust control and appropriate PPE when handling the powder.

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