Thermal degradation of EDTA chelates in aqueous solution

Abstract

The thermal degradation of Ca(II), Mg(II), Zn(II), Fe(II), and Ni(II) chelates of EDTA was investigated in alkaline aqueous solution at elevated temperatures (230–310 °C). The kinetics of decomposition were followed by nmr, titrimetry, and spectrophotometry. Reaction products were identified through nmr and by gas chromatography. The relative order of degradation rates, as measured by the loss of EDTA, was found to be Mg(II) > Ca(II) > Zn(II) > Fe(II) > Ni(II). The main degradation products formed in the lower temperature range (~250 °C) are iminodiacetic acid, hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, and ethylene glycol. Higher temperature products are primarily dimethylamine and carbon dioxide. The rates of degradation of Ca(II), Mg(II), and Zn(II) EDTA chelates are considerably enhanced when either phosphate is present or a glass-lined autoclave is employed.