MGDA-3Na

MGDA-3Na

Trisodium methylglycine diacetate for efficient Ca/Mg control in alkaline cleaning, agriculture, and water treatment

Chemical name
Methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid, trisodium salt (MGDA-3Na)
CAS Number
164462-16-2
Molecular formula
C6H8NO4Na3
Molecular weight
~229.1 g/mol
Active content
≥ 40%
Appearance
Clear to slightly yellow liquid
pH (10 g/L, 25°C)
10.0–12.0
NTA
≤ 0.1%
Chelation window
Neutral to strongly alkaline (approx. pH 7–13)

Overview

MGDA-3Na 40% Liquid (trisodium methylglycine diacetate) is a high-performance, biodegradable chelating agent designed for efficient metal ion control in a wide range of applications. Based on a simple amino acid structure, MGDA offers excellent chelation strength, particularly for divalent ions, while maintaining a favorable environmental profile. It is highly soluble, performs best in neutral to alkaline conditions, and provides a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional chelants such as EDTA.

MGDA-3Na (methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid, trisodium salt) is a tridentate aminopolycarboxylate. Its structure contains three carboxylate groups and one nitrogen atom, enabling effective complexation with divalent metal ions such as Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu²⁺. MGDA is most stable and effective in neutral to high pH environments, where it delivers strong chelation efficiency and formulation stability.

Benefits

  • Strong chelation of Ca and Mg (excellent water softening)
  • Optimum chelation performance in neutral to strongly alkaline systems (approximately pH 7–13)
  • Readily biodegradable and environmentally friendly
  • Cost-effective alternative to EDTA
  • Enhances cleaning efficiency and formulation stability
  • Compatible with surfactants and alkaline builders
  • High solubility in water
  • Enables phosphate-free formulations
  • Low toxicity and favorable eco-profile

Applications

  • Household surface cleaners
  • Industrial and institutional cleaners
  • Automatic dishwashing detergents
  • Laundry detergents (water softening, stain removal, anti-redeposition)
  • Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu micronutrient chelates
  • Scale inhibition and hardness control in water treatment
  • Bottle washing, textile processing, and industrial descaling

Specifications

  • Chemical name | Methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid, trisodium salt (MGDA-3Na)
  • CAS Number | 164462-16-2
  • Molecular formula | C6H8NO4Na3
  • Molecular weight | ~229.1 g/mol
  • Active content | ≥ 40%
  • Appearance | Clear to slightly yellow liquid
  • pH (10 g/L, 25°C) | 10.0–12.0
  • NTA | ≤ 0.1%
  • Chelation window | Neutral to strongly alkaline (approx. pH 7–13)

Downloads

Next Step

Request Sample

Request an R&D sample of MGDA-3Na and our technical team will follow up with packing options, use guidance, and supporting data.