Nitrilotriacetic Acid (Nta): Properties, Applications, And Chemical Significance
Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) is a white to off-white solid with a molecular formula of C6H9NO6. It is a polar molecule with carboxylic acid and amine functional groups, making it soluble in water. NTA has three acid dissociation constants (pKa1-3) and a base dissociation constant (pKb), indicating its ability to exist in different ionization states. It forms coordination complexes (chelates) with metal ions due to its ligand properties. NTA finds applications in metal plating, detergent additives, corrosion inhibition, chelation therapy, wastewater treatment, and heavy metal removal.