GLDA·Na₄ is a biodegradable, high-performance chelating agent that serves as an eco-friendly alternative to EDTA, NTA, and phosphonates. Below is a step-by-step guide on its applications, dosing, and best practices.

1. Key Properties of GLDA·Na₄

Chemical Name: Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate

CAS No.: 51981-21-6

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid (or white powder for solid form)

Active Content: 38-40% (liquid), ≥90% (solid)

pH (1% solution): 10.5-12.0

Biodegradability: >90% (OECD 301B certified)

Key Advantages:

Strong chelation of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺.

Works in high pH (up to 14) and high temperature (up to 100°C).

Non-toxic, eco-friendly (readily biodegradable, no aquatic toxicity).

Safe for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals (meets ECOCERT, COSMOS standards).

2. Typical Applications & Dosage Recommendations

(1) Detergents & Cleaning Products

✅ Use Case:

Replaces phosphates and EDTA in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and industrial cleaners.

Enhances surfactant performance by softening hard water.

📌 Dosage:

Liquid detergents: 1-5% (of final product).

Powder detergents: 2-10% (as a builder).

(2) Personal Care & Cosmetics

✅ Use Case:

Shampoos, soaps, creams (chelates metal ions to stabilize formulations).

Preservative booster (enhances efficacy of natural preservatives like benzyl alcohol).

📌 Dosage:

Skincare/haircare: 0.1-1.0%.

Oral care (toothpaste): 0.5-2.0%.

(3) Water Treatment

✅ Use Case:

Cooling/boiler water: Prevents CaCO₃, CaSO₄ scaling.

RO membrane cleaning: Removes metal fouling (Fe, Mn).

📌 Dosage:

Scale inhibition: 5-50 mg/L (depending on water hardness).

Membrane cleaning: 0.1-0.5% (with citric acid for pH adjustment).

(4) Agriculture & Fertilizers

✅ Use Case:

Micronutrient chelation (Fe, Zn, Mn) in liquid fertilizers.

Prevents nozzle clogging in fertigation systems.

📌 Dosage:

Fertilizer additive: 0.5-3.0% (based on nutrient content).

(5) Food & Beverage Industry

✅ Use Case:

Stabilizes color/flavor in juices, wines, and canned foods.

Prevents metal-catalyzed oxidation in edible oils.

📌 Dosage:

Beverages: 50-200 ppm.

Food processing: 0.01-0.1% (must comply with FDA/EFSA limits).

3. How to Apply GLDA·Na₄?

For Liquid Form (38-40%)

✔ Direct Use: Add as-is to formulations (no dilution needed).

✔ Dilution: Can be diluted with DI water (1:1 to 1:5) for easier handling.

For Solid Form (≥90% Powder)

✔ Dissolution:

Slowly add powder to warm water (40-60°C) under stirring.

Typical working solution: 10-20% aqueous solution.

4. Compatibility & Safety

✅ Works Well With:

Anionic/nonionic surfactants (SLES, CAPB, etc.).

Oxidizing agents (H₂O₂, peracetic acid).

Natural preservatives (levulinic acid, gluconolactone).

❌ Avoid Mixing With:

Strong acids (pH <3) → May reduce chelation efficiency.

High levels of Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ → Pre-dilute to prevent precipitation.

⚠️ Safety Notes:

Skin/eye contact: Rinse with water (non-irritating but alkaline).

Storage: Keep in HDPE containers (avoid aluminum/steel for long-term storage).

5. Comparison with Other Chelators

Property GLDA·Na₄ EDTA NTA Citric Acid

Chelation Strength ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★☆☆ ★★☆☆☆

Biodegradability >90% <5% ~40% 100%

pH Range 3-14 2-10 2-9 2-8

Cost Efficiency Medium High Low Low

Best For:

✔ Eco-friendly detergents (EU Ecolabel compliant).

✔ Food/cosmetic applications (safe for sensitive use).

✔ High-pH industrial systems (e.g., alkaline cleaning).

6. Storage & Shelf Life

Liquid: Store at 5-40°C, avoid freezing. (Shelf life: 12 months)

Solid: Keep in sealed, dry conditions. (Shelf life: 24 months)

Conclusion

GLDA·Na₄ is a versatile, sustainable chelator ideal for:

🌿 Green detergents & cosmetics

💧 Water treatment & membrane cleaning

🍏 Food stabilization & agriculture

For customized technical support, contact us for formulation advice!