Agriculture · Technical data sheet

MGDA-3Na 40% liquid

Identity

MGDA-3Na

Key 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

Product 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 is especially valued in

cleaning, agriculture, and industrial formulations where strong calcium and magnesium binding is required.

Chemical Identity

MGDA-3Na (Methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid, trisodium salt)

is a tridentate aminopolycarboxylate chelating agent.

  • CAS Number: 164462-16-2

Typical properties and specifications

  • Molecular Formula: C₆H₈NO₄Na₃
  • Molecular Weight: ~229.1 g/mol

Its structure contains three carboxylate groups and one

nitrogen atom, enabling effective complexation with divalent

metal ions such as Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+.

Physical & Chemical Properties

MGDA-3Na 40% appears as a

clear to slightly yellow liquid with

excellent water solubility and

strong performance in alkaline

systems.

Typical Properties:

  • Active Content: ≥ 40%
  • pH (1% solution): 10.0–12.0
  • Appearance: Clear to

slightly yellow liquid

  • NTA: ≤ 0.1%
  • MGDA is most stable

and effective in neutral

to high pH environments,

where it delivers strong

chelation efficiency and

formulation stability

Applications and benefits

MGDA-3Na

Applications Guide

Cleaning & Detergents

MGDA improves cleaning performance by effectively binding

hardness ions and boosting surfactant efficiency.

  • Household surface cleaners
  • Industrial & institutional cleaners
  • Automatic dishwashing detergents

Laundry

MGDA functions as a powerful water softener in detergent systems.

  • Prevents soil redeposition
  • Enhances stain removal
  • Improves detergent performance in hard water
  • Stabilizes alkaline formulations

Agriculture (Micronutrients)

MGDA keeps micronutrients soluble and plant-available across

a wide pH range.

  • Ideal for Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu chelates
  • Works in acidic and alkaline soils
  • Improves nutrient uptake

Water Treatment

MGDA helps control hardness and

prevent scaling in water systems.

Use levels, packaging, and storage

  • Scale inhibition
  • Hardness control (Ca/Mg binding)
  • System cleaning and maintenance

MGDA’s strengths

  • Excellent calcium and magnesium chelation
  • Outstanding water softening
  • Excellent detergent builder
  • Cost-effective biodegradable alternative to EDTA

Why Choose MGDA?

MGDA delivers a strong balance of performance, cost efficiency,

and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for modern formulations.

  • Excellent performance in alkaline systems
  • Strong Ca/Mg binding for superior water softening
  • Readily biodegradable alternative to EDTA
  • Cost-effective for large-scale applications
  • Enables environmentally compliant formulations
  • Ideal for phosphate-free and eco-labeled products

Industrial Applications

  • Hard surface cleaning
  • Bottle washing formulations
  • Textile processing
  • Industrial descaling

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