As a professional supplier of chemical raw materials, I’d like to share some in-depth insights today about Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (GLDA-Na4) — a name that keeps coming up in discussions around environmentally friendly chelating agents.
If you’re sourcing raw materials for cleaning formulations, personal care products, or industrial applications, this is one ingredient you need to understand thoroughly.
Historical Development and Discovery
The history of Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is tied to finding better, eco-friendly chelating agents. As environmental concerns grew, the need for biodegradable alternatives to old chelating agents like EDTA increased.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate became a big deal because it’s biodegradable and works well. Its creation was driven by the need for green ingredients in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
What Exactly Is Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate?
To keep it simple, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (GLDA-Na4) is a highly effective, biodegradable chelating agent, widely used across food, cosmetics, cleaning formulations, and industrial applications. As a synthetic compound derived from glutamic acid — a naturally occurring amino acid — it excels at binding and neutralizing metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. This not only prevents undesirable reactions but also helps maintain the stability, freshness, and overall quality of the final product.
- Chemical formula: C9H9NNa4O8
- CAS number: 51981-21-6
- Biodegradability: Yes — compliant with OECD standards for rapid biodegradability
- pH: Alkaline, typically around 10–11 in solution
Molecular Composition
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate has a complex molecular structure based on glutamic acid. Its formula is C13H16NNa4O8. This formula shows it has sodium ions and carboxylate groups. These elements help it bind metal ions effectively.
Its molecular composition is vital for binding metal ions. This makes it useful in many industries. The four sodium ions also make it very soluble in water, which is handy for use in solutions.
Physical Properties
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is usually a white or off-white powder. It dissolves well in water. These physical properties make it easy to mix into various products, like food and industrial solutions.
- Appearance: White or off-white powder
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water
- Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions
Common Applications in the Market
If you’re sourcing materials for any of the following, chances are you’ll find GLDA-Na4 in the recommended specs:
From my experience, whether you’re in home care, personal care, or even industrial sectors, GLDA checks a lot of boxes.
Food Industry Applications
- Flavor Enhancement
GLDA-Na4 helps enhance the overall taste of food. By binding metal ions that could alter flavors, it keeps food tasting fresh and balanced. - Preservation Function
Extends shelf life by preventing oxidation and spoilage, maintaining food quality and freshness. - Stability Improvement
By stabilizing food formulations, it ensures consistent quality throughout the product’s life cycle.
Industrial Applications
- Textiles – Dyeing & Finishing
Improves color consistency and enhances fabric quality by preventing metal ion interference during the dyeing process. - Pulp & Paper – Pulp Bleaching
Enhances the brightness of paper and reduces the negative effects of metal ions during the bleaching process. - Water Treatment – Scale Prevention
Reduces scaling and improves water quality by binding metal ions that can cause scaling and blockages in pipes.
Pharmaceutical & Cosmetics Applications
- Pharmaceuticals
GLDA-Na4 stabilizes active pharmaceutical ingredients, ensuring the effectiveness and extending the shelf life of medications. - Cosmetics
In cosmetics, it prevents ingredient degradation, improving product stability and extending the shelf life of creams, lotions, and other personal care products.
Household & Industrial Cleaners
- Dishwashing Liquids
GLDA-Na4 improves the performance of dishwashing liquids by softening water and helping to break down grease and grime more effectively. - Laundry Detergents
It stabilizes laundry detergent formulations, ensuring consistent cleaning performance even in hard water conditions. - Hard Surface Cleaners
Helps to remove stubborn residues and prevent the redeposition of dirt and soils, ensuring thorough cleaning.
Personal Care Products
- Shampoos & Conditioners
Enhances the stability of shampoo and conditioner formulas, improving their performance and effectiveness over time. - Skincare Products
Prevents the breakdown of active ingredients, ensuring consistent quality and extending the shelf life of skincare products.
Agricultural Applications
- Fertilizers & Crop Protection
GLDA-Na4 is used in fertilizers and crop protection products to manage micronutrients and improve the availability of essential metals for plants.
Why Do So Many Industries Use GLDA?
✅ Eco-Friendly Choice
With tightening regulations on environmental impact, GLDA is a smart move. It biodegrades quickly, reducing wastewater concerns and helping manufacturers meet eco-label requirements.
✅ Strong Metal Binding
It efficiently binds troublesome metal ions that could otherwise reduce cleaning effectiveness or cause discoloration in formulations.
✅ Versatility
GLDA performs well across a wide pH range, making it suitable for acidic and alkaline formulations alike.
✅ Safer Profile
Compared to harsher chelators, it offers a safer handling profile, which is great news for plant operations and worker safety compliance.
How Does GLDA Compare to Other Chelating Agents?
| Property | GLDA-Na4 | EDTA | Nitrilotriacetic Acid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biodegradability | Excellent (OECD) | Poor | Moderate |
| Source | Renewable materials | Petrochemical-based | Petrochemical-based |
| pH Stability | Wide range | Wide range | Moderate |
| Safety Profile | Mild, safer handling | Moderate | Toxicological concerns |
| Environmental Impact | Low | High | High |
As you can see, GLDA is a good fit if you’re prioritizing performance and sustainability.
Safety and Regulatory Status
It’s key to know about Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate’s safety and rules for use. This compound has been checked by many worldwide to make sure it’s safe for food, medicine, and beauty products.
FDA Regulations and Approvals
The FDA has carefully looked at Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate for its safety. It’s approved as a food additive and follows FDA rules, showing it’s safe. The FDA checks its toxicity, health risks, and how it affects the environment.
Companies must follow strict rules to make sure Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is safe. They must follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and get checked regularly to keep quality high.
International Regulatory Standards
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate also meets international rules. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have looked at it. They help make sure it’s safe everywhere.
This shows the compound is widely accepted and safe. Companies making products with it must follow these rules to sell them worldwide.
Safety Studies and Toxicology Reports
Many safety studies and toxicology reports have been done on Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate. These studies show it’s safe for use in products. The reports give detailed info on its safety for people and the environment.
These studies back up the rules and approvals from different groups. They also stress the need for ongoing checks to keep it safe.
Consumer Concerns and Misconceptions
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is used in many areas, like food and medicine. It’s important to clear up wrong ideas about its safety. People often wonder if it’s safe for health and the environment.
Things to Watch When Buying GLDA
A quick tip from my procurement desk:
When selecting suppliers, make sure to check:
- Purity levels (higher purity improves performance)
- Certification (REACH, ISO, and eco-label approvals)
- Packaging options (bulk, IBC totes, or drums depending on your production scale)
Reliable supply chain is key, especially if you’re using this in high-volume manufacturing.
FAQs About Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Q: Is GLDA safe to use in cosmetics?
A: Yes! It’s considered safe for use in personal care formulations, helping to stabilize the product and improve shelf life.
Q: Does it work in hard water?
A: Absolutely. One of its strengths is binding calcium and magnesium, making it ideal for hard water conditions.
Q: Can GLDA replace EDTA directly?
A: In many cases, yes. You’ll need to adjust formulations slightly, but GLDA often matches or exceeds EDTA’s performance, with the added benefit of biodegradability.
Final Thoughts
If your company is looking to balance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (GLDA-Na4) is definitely worth considering. It’s one of those essential ingredients that quietly enhance performance — helping your final products work better while keeping your compliance team satisfied.
As a trusted supplier of GLDA-Na4, we’re here to support your sourcing needs with consistent quality and reliable service. If you have any inquiries or would like to request a quote, feel free to reach out to us:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: +86-022-23373716-8024
📱 Phone / WhatsApp / WeChat: +86 17526577484
We look forward to helping your business move forward!
