MGDA technical brochure

Dissolvine M-40
®

Dissolvine® M-S
 Introducing Dissolvine®

Dissolvine® aminopolycarboxylate-based MGDA is a fast-working, strong builder with

chelating agents are used in countless applica- excellent ecological properties, being readily
tions to control metal ions in water-based biodegradable and not labelled as dangerous.
systems. They are highly effective for controlling This makes MGDA an ideal replacement for
water hardness ions as well as for cleaning ingredients under regulatory pressure, such
surfaces, descaling boilers, processing textiles as phosphates (which are banned in various
and preventing scale formation. regions due to water eutrophication) in auto-
matic dish washing (ADW), in car care and
When it comes to controlling metal ion laundry. It is a drop-in replace­ment for NTA in
­reactivity, Dissolvine® chelating agents are an industrial and institutional cleaners. In cleaning
important tool for reducing the detrimental applications, ­Dissolvine® M-40, as well as
effect of metal catalysts in peroxide cleaners Dissolvine® M-S, will outperform widely used
and in pulp bleaching for paper manufacturing. builders like phosphates, citrates, gluconates
Other applications include improving personal and zeolites due to their stronger bonds with
care formulations and stabilizing the bleaching hard water ions.
process in textile.
Dissolvine® M-40 is a 40 weight percent
Finally, Dissolvine® chelating agents are also ­solution of Methylglycine N,N-diacetic acid
used extensively to enhance the chemical and trisodium salt (MGDA) in water (figure 1) with
physical properties of metal ions, ranging from typicals listed in table 1a. The IUPAC name ­for
metal plating, providing essential elements to MGDA is 2-Aminopropionic acid, N,N-dicar­
growing plants and supplying iron for H2S gas boxymethyl-, trisodium salt. MGDA is also
scrubbing. known as Alanine N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)
trisodium salt.
Innovating and supplying high performing
products with a low environmental impact is
important for Nouryon. In our search for a
product that delivers excellent chelating perfor-
mance with readily biodegradable properties,
Nouryon introduced Dissolvine® M-40. The
active component is MGDA, a chelating agent
that has a proven track record in many different
institutional and household cleaners. Today, in
addition to Dissolvine® M-40, another MGDA
The Dissolvine® chelate product
product is offered to the market; portfolio is ready for tomorrow’s
Dissolvine® M-S, a free flowing granule. requirements by covering a full
range of applications
2
Product description
and chemical structure

Dissolvine® M-S is the solid version of dient in cleaning formulations improves the
Dissolvine® M-40 having an assay of min. 81 descaling and cleaning capabilities. This
weight percent. The typicals of Dissolvine® M-S includes whiteness and color care benefits in
are listed in table 1b. laundry and stain removal abilities in automatic
dish washing (ADW). Since MGDA is also a
MGDA has three carboxylic groups and, strong chelating agent for heavy metal ions,
together with the central nitrogen atom, such as Fe and Cu, it enhances product stability
these car­boxylic groups provide strong multiple and prevents negative effects of transition
bonds with di- and trivalent metal ions. The metals.
small molecular size enables rapid action at
low temperatures and short contact time. The
Table 1a: Dissolvine® M-40 product typicals
MGDA trisodium salt is fully REACH registered.
Dissolvine® M-40
The excellent low toxicity and low eco-toxico- Chemical abbreviation MGDA-Na3
Physical form liquid
logical profile allow for non-dangerous label-
Appearance clear colorless to light yellow liquid
ling. MGDA-Na3 is listed on EPA’s Safer Chemical
NTA-Na3 < 0.10 wt.%
Ingredients List in the United States. Active ingredient* 39 – 41 wt.%
pH 10.0 – 12.0 (1 w/v% aqueous solution)

MDGA is a strong chelate for hard water and Liquid density 1280 − 1320 kg/m3

transition metal ions. Using MGDA as an ingre- Viscosity 25mPa.s (20° C) / 55mPa.s (5° C)
Freezing point < –15° C
Solubility in water miscible in all ratios
COD 290 mg/g
Figure 1: Chemical formula
* Based on Fe-sequestering capacity
NaOOC N COONa

H3C COONa
Table 1b: Dissolvine® M-S product typicals

Dissolvine® M-S
Dissolvine M-40 is a trisodium salt of methylglycine
®
Chemical abbreviation MGDA-Na3
diacetic acid (MGDA-Na3) in water and Dissolvine® M-S
Physical form crystalline solid
the solid.
Appearance white free flowing granules
Chemical name: Methylglycine N,N-diacetic acid,
trisodium salt NTA-Na3 < 0.20 wt.%

Chemical formula: MGDA-Na3 (C7H8NO6Na3) Active ingredient* min 81 wt.%

CAS No: 164462-16-2 pH 10.5 – 12.5 (1 w/v% aqueous solution)

EC Number: 423-270-5 Density > 700 kg/m3

Molecular weight: 271.1 g/mol Auto ignition temperature > 400° C

INCI name: Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Solubility in water 1100 g/l

Alaninate
* Based on Fe-sequestering capacity

3
 Physical and functional
features of Dissolvine® M-40
and Dissolvine® M-S
Solubility Density
The solubility of MGDA as a function of pH is The density of the liquid can be used as a quick
shown in figure 2. Like most aminocarboxylic reference for checking the concentration of
chelates, the solubility is greatest for the fully the material (figure 3). The density of the solid
ionized form that is present at high pH, quite is important for packaging and plays a role in
similar to that of NTA. The solubility of MGDA tableting the granules.
is surpassed by the extraordinary high solubility
of GLDA (Dissolvine® GL) across the entire pH Chemical stability
range. Like all the Dissolvine® chelating agents,
­Dissolvine® M-40 is chemically stable under
Table 2 lists the solubility of several chelates in both acid and alkaline conditions. This is a
various media. Here too the solubility of MGDA prerequisite for stable formulations that are
is similar to NTA, which may enable Dissolvine® based on Dissolvine® M-40. The thermal stability
M-40 to be used as a direct replacement for of Dissolvine® M-S has been determined using
NTA in many formulations. Unlike NTA, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA)
­Dissolvine® M carries no hazard warnings and and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
may also qualify for eco labelling. ­MGDA-Na3 crystals will lose all crystal water at
temperatures around 200°C and start to
Table 2: Solubility of several chelates in various media at 25°C
decompose at temperatures above 300°C.
MGDA NTA EDTA GLDA
NaOH, 15 % ~ 20 ~ 23 ~ 20 ~ 60
NaOH, 28 % ~3 ~7 ~6 ~ 53
Solutions of MGDA-Na3 are fully stable at
Acetic acid, 28 % ~7 ~1 <1 > 50 temperatures of up to 170°C for six hours,
HCl, 28 % ~6 ~ 13 <1 > 50 or at 150°C for one week. This means that
Ethylene glycol ~ 26 low low ~ 45 MGDA can be a useful biodegradable alternative

Figure 2: Solubility of chelating agents, expressed as their sodium salt, Figure 3: Density of a solution of MGDA-Na3 plotted against concentration.
in water at various pH levels.
Solubility

Density (kg/m3)

75 1 500

60 1 400
GLDA

45 1 300

MGDA
30 1 200

15 1 100

NTA
EDTA
0 1 0 00
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
pH Concentration MGDA-Na3 (wt%)

4
 to EDTA when used for scale prevention or for Chelates are used in copper and nickel plating
cleaning boilers. to deliver metal ions in the ideal form for the
plating process. For each application, it is
Acid/base dissociation constants important to select a chelating agent that is
Dissolvine® chelating agents are amino polycar- sufficiently strong to do the job.
boxylic acids that ionize in water to multiple An indication of the chelates’ strength or affinity
charged species depending on pH. for a certain metal ion can be derived from the
The ionization constants, or pKa values, for dissociation constants, stability constants and
MGDA are shown in table 3. Again we see conditional stability constants.
a close similarity to NTA. The ion species distri-
bution of the MGDA molecule as a function of The stability or equilibrium constant (K), gener-
the pH can be calculated from the pKa values ally expressed as log K, is an indication of the
(figure 4). strength of the complex formed between the
metal ion and the chelating agent. The higher
Chelating power the log K value, the tighter the bond between
Chelating agents are added to products or the metal ion and the chelating agent, which
processes to control the properties of metal in turn increases the likelihood that a complex
ions. For example, chelating agents are used in will be formed (table 4).
cleaning and personal care to complex with
cations (e.g. Calcium, Magnesium, Fe, etc.)
and prevent reactions with other ingredients
that often lead to precipitation. In other applica-
tions, chelates are used to remove unwanted
scale by complexing the scale metal ions.

Figure 4: Ionized forms of MGDA as a function of pH. Table 3: The acid dissociation constants (pKa)* for MGDA, NTA and EDTA
Relative amount (%)

100
H-MGDA 2- MGDA 3- MGDA NTA EDTA
pKa1 9.9 9.7 10.2
80 H3-MGDA
pKa2 2.6 2.5 6.2
pKa3 1.5 1.8 2.7
60
pKa4 not available 1.0 2.0
pKa5 not applicable not applicable 1.5
40
pKa6 not applicable not applicable 0.0
H2-MGDA 1-

20 *A.E. Martell, R.M. Smith, NIST Critically selected stability constants of metal
complexes (NIST standard reference database 46, Version 7.0, 2003). pKa
values: as determined at an ionic strength of 0.1M and at a temperature of
0
25°C, or if not available at 20°C.
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
pH

5
 The pH of the system and the oxidizing nature precipitation indicator. The found values corre-
of the environment can affect the stability and spond well with the theoretical CaCV.
effectiveness of the chelating system. For each
metal complex, there is an optimum pH and an Unlike very strong chelates like EDTA and DTPA,
active pH range in which the metal complex is the ‘chelating ability’ of MGDA is dependent on
stable. The conditional stability constant is an the testing conditions (the indicator, tempera-
indication of the stability of the complex as a ture and concentration). Besides the theoretical
function of the pH (figure 5). chelating capacity, there is also a practical
‘chelating capacity’. For example, when using
Chelating capacity Ca ions this practical chelating capacity is often
Chelates generally form 1:1 complexes with called Ca dispersing power. The value of the
metal ions. The quantity of chelating agent Ca dispersing power of Dissolvine® M-40 can
needed depends both on the concentration range from 160 to 195 mg CaCO3/g 1, which is
of metal ion to be chelated and the molecular substantially higher than the theoretical value.
weight of the chelate. In general, while a che-
late with a high molecular weight will complex To illustrate the strong calcium binding strength
a metal ion more strongly than a chelate with of MGDA, experiments have been performed
a low molecular weight, a larger quantity will with various chelating agents and the calcium
be needed. The chelating capacity of Dissolvine® ion indicator Hydroxy Naphthol Blue (HNB),
M-40 and Dissolvine® M-S expressed as mg which is used in this experiment as a competi-
chelate/g MGDA product are compared to NTA tive chelating agent. HNB has a relatively high
and EDTA products in table 5. affinity for calcium and shifts color from blue
to red when fully complexed to calcium. As
The experimentally determined CaCO3 a result, the color of a solution containing
­chelating value (CaCV) of Dissolvine® M-40 calcium ions, HNB and the tested chelate gives
is 147 mg/g and 297 mg/g Dissolvine® M-S. a measure for the calcium binding efficiency
These measurements were performed using of the chelate vs. the HNB.
Ca2+ as a titrant and with two different means to
detect the endpoint: one with a Ca2+ ion selec- In figure 6 the calcium affinity at pH 11–12 for
tive electrode and another using carbonate as a a number of chelates is compared. The key

Table 4: Stability constants (log K values1) and active pH range for Figure 5: Theoretical curves of the conditional stability constant (log K’)
Dissolvine® M-40 / Dissolvine® M-S (MGDA) of MGDA for various metal ions as a function of pH (1:1 metal:chelate
complex).
Log k’

15
Metal ion Ca2+ Cu2+ Fe3+ Mg2+ Mn2+ Zn2+
Fe (3+) Cu(2+) Zn (2+) Mn (2+) Ca(2+) Mg(2+)
Log K 7.0 13.9 16.5 5.8 8.4 11.0
Active 6 - 14 1 - 11 0-8 7 - 11 4 - 11 2 - 11
pH range2 10

1
 .E. Martell, R.M. Smith, NIST Critically selected stability constants of metal
A
complexes (NIST standard reference database 46, Version 7.0, 2003); Log
K values as determined at an ionic strength of 0.1M and at a temperature
5
of 25°C or 20°C. Log K for Fe3+ and Mn2+ the figure was extracted from P.T.
Anastas, Green Processes, Volume 9: Designing Safer Chemicals.
2
Active pH range: calculated for demineralized water at 0.1 mol/l. Lower pH
limit: the conditional stability constant logK’ ≥ 3. Upper pH limit is based on
the precipitation of the metal hydroxide; at upper pH limit the fraction
chelated ≥ 95%. 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
pH

6
 finding is that Dissolvine® M-40 / M-S as well as and chelates. MGDA is capable of achieving
Dissolvine® GL are very effective for complexing low water hardness levels, while citrate is only
hard water ions. capable of providing a medium hardness unless
a significantly higher amount is used vs. Ca ion
Another measure of the ability to complex the present. The ideal wetting conditions for a fast
calcium and magnesium hard water ions, and cleaning process appear only at a low water
thus to soften water, is presented in figure 7. hardness; a few ppm of Ca.
It shows a calculated plot of water hardness
1
The details of such a test are available on request. Please contact us.
versus the strength of a builder (log K) in the
presence of an equal molar amount of Ca ions

Table 5: Theoretical chelating capacity expressed as mg of chelated substance /g Dissolvine® M-40, Dissolvine® M-S, EDTA and NTA for several metal ions
and CaCO3

Product Assay CaCO3 Ca2+ Cu2+ Fe3+ Mg2+ Mn2+ Zn2+

wt. %
Dissolvine® M-40 40 147 59 93 82 36 81 97
Dissolvine M-S ®
80 297 120 190 167 73 164 195
NTA-Na3 as 40 % solution 40 156 62 99 87 38 85 102
EDTA Na4 (Dissolvine® E-39) 39 103 41 65 57 25 56 67

Figure 6: The calcium complexing efficiency of various chelating agents in Figure 7: Water hardness reduction in the presence of various chelates
competition with Hydroxy Naphthol Blue (HNB) at pH 11–12. versus Log K of the Ca-chelate stability constant.
Calcium complexing efficiency (%)

Water hardness (mol Ca/l)

100 0.005
Citrate STPP MGDA
Hard water
157 ppm Ca
80 0.004

60 0.003

40 0.002

Medium hard
44 ppm Ca
20 0.001
Soft water
8 ppm Ca
3 ppm Ca
0
EDTA MGDA GLDA NTA STPP IDS EDDS Citrate 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Log K of builder

7
 Features Dissolvine® M-S

Dissolvine M-S granules are free-flowing, The thermal stability of Dissolvine® M-S is
odorless and have good storage stability at 65% excellent; this is reflected by the auto ignition
Relative Humidity and 40°C. The fact that temperature being > 400°C. In handling solids
MGDA granules are crystalline contributes to like Dissolvine® M-S dust explosion properties
storage stability. In a storage test for 6 months at are also important to know. The Lower Explo-
40°C and 65% relative humidity, no ammonia sion Limit (LEL) of MGDA-Na3 solid according to
like smell was noticed. Caking of Dissolvine® test standard EN 14034-3 was measured at our
M-S under these conditions is negligible when safety laboratory and the result of 250g/m3
the relative humidity is 65% or lower. Dissolvine® shows a rather high value for a dust explosion
M-S when mixed with bleaching agents will due to combustion.
remain color stable even after several months’
time. Applications that are hindered by too much
water sometimes can’t handle Dissolvine®
The bulk-density of the granules (min 700 kg/ M-40. In that case the Dissolvine® M-S is the
m3) ensures that tablet size and pods containing logical alternative.
0.2 °C/min
MGDA have a good size or volume. The particle Figure 8: Thermographic analysis M-S, 0.2°C/min heating.
Dissolvine® solid
MGDA-Na3
size distribution of the Dissolvine® M-S granules
100
100
w%

provides non-dusting behavior. The particle size

98
98
distribution makes MGDA granules easily com-
patible with other ADW ingredients and tablet- 96
96

ing when needed can take place with little

w%

94
94
effort. The low friability of Dissolvine® M-S is
another positive aspect in handling this product. 92
92

90
90

These functionalities of Dissolvine M-S in

®
88
88
combination with the high assay / high chela- 00 50
50 100
100 150
150 200
200
temperature °C
temperature (°C)
tion capacity are favoring MGDA as the chelate
of choice.
Figure 9: Dissolvine® M-S granules. Figure 10: Petri-dish in vertical position with non-sticking Dissolvine® M-S
after storage at 65% Relative Humidity at 40°C

8
A wide range of applications

As we see it, cleaning is probably the main The next chapter describes in detail why
application for MGDA, but it is also used in other ­Dissolvine® M-40 and Dissolvine® M-S should
applications, for example: polymer production, be considered as ingredients.
textile industry, gas sweetening, membrane
cleaning, metal plating and electronics. MGDA in cleaning
One of the main tasks of a builder/chelating
For cleaning the sub-application areas are: agent in a cleaner is to complex Ca2+ ions that
are part of the dirt. Ca2+ ions act as a ‘glue’ that
Household cleaning can hold dirt and stains onto the surface. Che-
• Automatic dish wash lates can ‘de-glue’ this debris by chelating and
• Laundry detergents solubilizing the Ca2+ from the surface as
• Surface cleaning depicted in figure 11.

Industrial and institutional cleaning In order to achieve a fast release of dirt and
• Mechanical dish washing scale, the builder molecule needs to be rather
• Cleaning in place small and have strong chelating capabilities.
• Transport cleaning This is even more valid for low temperatures
• Hard surface cleaning and short contact times. Once the dirt is free
• Laundry detergents from the surface, sur­factants can effectively
• Biocidal detergents disperse the dirt particles.
• Metal cleaning
The ability of MGDA to bind to hard water ions
also prevents the inactivation/precipitation of
anionic surfactants. Anionic surfactants will be

Figure 11: Dirt and stains are bound to surfaces by Ca2+ ion bridges that act
like a glue. Chelates can complex the Ca2+ ions, which helps to release the
dirt/stain.

Chelate Chelate Ca2+

Dirt Dirt

Ca2+ Ca2+ Ca2+ + Chelate + Chelate Ca2+

Surface Surface
Chelate Chelate Ca2+

9
 deactivated in the presence of medium hard Enhanced cleaning by
complexing hard water ions in a
water because their Ca-salts are not suited to quick and seamless way!

act as a surface active ingredient and to form

micelles. Soaps will even form scum with hard
water ions and precipitate, as seen in figure 12.
The addition of a weaker chelate like citrate
has no real benefit in preventing the anionic
surfactant’s deactivation, but using a chelating
agent with the strength of MGDA provides
adequate protection and detergency.

Household cleaning
In household detergents, phosphate containing
builders like STPP (sodium tripolyphosphate)
must be reduced due to their negative environ- of chelates must have the right strength.
mental impact, which includes widespread Dissolvine® M-40 / M-S are c­ ompatible with
eutrophication of rivers and lakes. Phosphates common amylase and ­protease enzymes used
have been restricted/banned for household in cleaners. Formulas containing Dissolvine®
cleaning purposes across multiple regions, M-40 may also be suitable for eco labelling.
including the United States and the EU. The
alternative is to use biodegradable builders like Household automatic dish wash (ADW)
Dissolvine® M-40, Dissolvine® M-S and Strong chelates are required in household
Dissolvine® GL-47-S. Since cleaners may also automatic dish washing formulations because
include enzymes, the calcium binding strength of the limited mechanical action in the cleaning

Figure 12: Ca soap scum formation of a liquid anionic soap in the presence
of Ca2+ ions and with MGDA or citrate addition.

Anionic surfactant With MGDA With citrate

+ hard water

10
process. Stains, especially from tea, are firmly ADW products, addition of crystal growth
glued to hydrophilic surfaces of cups and dishes inhibitors, like Alcoguard, are also required in
by hard water (or iron) cations. Dish washing order to reduce spotting and filming caused by
tests have shown that significant amounts of the rinsing process.
a strong chelate like MGDA are effective for
removing the most severe stains, even without Household laundry detergents
the aid of bleaching agents. To achieve the best Since the mechanical action in this application
results, the amount of chelate must be approxi- is larger than that in ADW, less chelate than a 1:1
mately equal to the amount of hard water ions ratio with hard water ions is required for provid-
that are channeled into the dish washer. Filming ing adequate cleaning conditions.
and spotting tests demonstrate that both MGDA
and GLDA based formulations outperform Small amounts of chelate like MGDA can
formulations based on citrate, as illustrated in enhance the shelf life stability of liquid products
figure 13. by reducing the catalytic activity of transition
metal ions that can cause rancidity and can
The use of MGDA in ADW may provoke some decompose fragrances and colorants. On the
glass corrosion. This means that formulas shelf haze formation from these and hard water
containing Dissolvine® M-40 or Dissolvine® M-S metal ions can also be prevented. At higher
require the addition of a glass corrosion inhibi- levels, chelates will ensure anionic surfactants
tor (e.g. zinc or bismuth salts). For all-in-one remain active.

Figure 13: Anti-spotting and filming performance of several formulas

based on citrate, MGDA and GLDA after 10 washing cycles.

45% Citrate based recipes

35% MGDA based recipes

35% GLDA based recipes

11
 The main benefit of using a strong chelate for In low dosages, Dissolvine® M-40 will help to
cleaning laundry is that it generally leads to stabilize the liquid recipe (as described under
better stain removal and color protection. Household laundry detergents paragraph). At
Transition metal ions are known to contribute higher concentrations, it will actively contribute
to stains (e.g. from the sunscreen ingredient to cleaning process and also dissolve soap
Avobenzone with iron ions). Since Dissolvine® scum and lime scale. By solubilizing Ca salts, it
M-40 and Dissolvine® M-S bind directly to these allows them to be thoroughly washed away,
ions, it will enable the removal of such stains. enhancing glass and shine.
The color of the fabric will also be better pro-
tected when the heavy metals in the washing Industrial and institutional cleaning
process are ­chelated. The Ca-glue, which binds Industrial and institutional cleaning presents
the dirt, will be better removed at a faster pace special challenges, such as the need for quick
and the surfactants will be more active. Higher and efficient cleaning of highly soiled items.
levels will lead to less greying/improved white- Chemical cleaning plays a larger role in this area
ness and softer garments due to a descaling and high concentrations of chelates like EDTA,
action on the textile. The heat-exchanger of the NTA and phosphates are often required. MGDA
laundry machine will also be protected and the is a good drop-in replacement for NTA. Replac-
typical lime scale and soap scum deposits that ing ­phosphate with MGDA will boost the clean-
reduce the machines energy efficiency will be ing power of these formulas.
removed. With the addition of more powerful
builders like Dissolvine® M-40 and Dissolvine® Mechanical dish washing (MDW)
M-S, cleaning can be done at lower tempera- Typical mechanical dish washing formulas often
tures, which in turn contributes to energy contain the chelating agent NTA or EDTA
savings. combined with caustic and a non-ionic sur-
factant. The use of these chelates often elimi-
Household surface cleaning nates the potential for eco-labeling and may
The advantages of using a strong chelate like require hazard label with the GHS08 ‘exploding
Dissolvine® M-40 / Dissolvine® M-S in hard chest’ pictogram. MGDA can readily replace
surface cleaners are that it will speed up the EDTA, NTA and phosphates in MDW. Dissolvine®
cleaning process and make it easier since less M-40 and Dissolvine® M-S do not require the
mechanical force (scrubbing) is needed. GHS08 symbol.

Figure 14: The molar efficiency dissolution of CaCO3 by various chelating Figure 15: The influence of MGDA and GLDA on biocidal activity of Arquad®
agents at pH 8 after 10 minutes. MCB-50 against gram negative bacteria Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (EN1276).
Efficiency of CaCO3 dissolution (%)

Conc. Arquad MCB (ppm)

60 400
EN-1276: 0.03% BSA (protein load)
17°dH water hardness (pH 10)

45 300

30 200

15 100

0 0
GLDA NTA MGDA EDTMP IDS Citrate STPP 0 ppm GLDA 9 ppm GLDA 92 ppm GLDA 500 ppm GLDA 923 ppm GLDA
/MGDA /7 ppm MGDA /71 ppm MGDA /386 ppm MGDA /713 ppm MGDA

12
MGDA is soluble and quite tolerant towards biodegradable chelating agents Dissolvine®
most non-ionic surfactants. It is listed on the M-40 or Dissolvine® GL series, will combat
French positive list for cleaning food contact microorganisms more efficiently than deter-
surfaces and it is also compliant with the Swan gents without these ingredients. Chelates are
and the Euro flower legislation for professional well known for boosting the biocidal and
dish washing. preservative action. They enhance the permea-
bility of bacteria and mold cell membranes,
Cleaning in place (CIP) making them more susceptible to biocidal
In addition to preventing precipitation of scale, attacks. Test results depicted in figure 15 show
Dissolvine® chelating agents are used to remove less biocidal agent is needed when chelating
scale from surfaces. The most frequently agents are added. Dissolvine® M and ­Dissolvine®
encountered scales have calcium, magnesium GL series are readily biodegradable and inert to
and iron as their carbonate, oxalate, sulfate or active biocidal and preservative ingredients;
oxide. The advantage of descaling with a che- approved by the U.S. EPA for non food contact
late like Dissolvine® M-40 over an acid cleaner is use.
that most scales can be removed in one step,
thus saving time without concern for corrision Transport cleaning
or treatment of the spent solution. MGDA is Removal of dirt, debris and grime from vehicles
approved by Safer Choice and for Direct requires a combination of capable active ingre-
Release in the United States. dients since the cleaning may be performed at
low temperatures with low mechanical action
In figure 14 the CaCO3 dissolving efficiency is and short cleaning times. To compensate for
compared for a variety of chelating agents. In this, high levels of chelate and other ingredients
comparison with other aminopolycarboxylates, are often needed to reach an efficient cleaning
phosphonates and succinates, MDGA is a good result.
readily biodegradable chelate for the removal of
CaCO3 scale. In figure 16 the results from a touchless
automative dirt removal test are depicted; these
Biocidal detergents were performed with a non-ionic surfactant and
Biocidal detergents, which contain the readily several different chelates.

Figure 16: Touchless removal of automotive dirt at room temperature with

Berol® ENV226 and various builders.

MGDA Citrate GLDA STPP

13
 High levels of ionic active ingredients, such as protects anionic surfactants from inactivation
NaOH, MDGA-Na3 or GLDA-Na4, can lower when used in the recipe. MDGA also descales
the cloud point of non-ionic surfactants. This surfaces from organic and inorganic residues of
results in phase separation of the formulation Calcium and Magnesium salts from anionic
and reduced cleaning performance. These surfactants, oxalates, sulfates and carbonates.
problems can often be eliminated by adding
a suitable co-surfactant or hydrotrope, such Laundry detergents
as Berol R648 PO, to the formulation in order In institutional laundry, it is crucial that all spots
to maintain the solubility of all ingredients. are removed in order to avoid rewashing. This
means that high amounts of strong chelates are
Highly soluble ingredients such as Dissolvine® needed for an efficient cleaning also in this area.
M-40 and Dissolvine® GL-47-S enable prepara- The high strength of Dissolvine® M-40 and
tion of highly concentrated cleaning formula- Dissolvine® M-S enables lower wash tempera-
tions that may reduce costs for production, tures and less mechanical action (thus less
packaging and transports. abrasion) in shorter wash cycles. A combination
of Dissolvine® M-40 and Dissolvine® CSA (glu-
Hard surface cleaning coheptonate) or Dissolvine® H-40 (HEDTA) is
Time is often of essence in industrial and institu- advised for solving problems with iron spots or
tional hard surface cleaning and cleaners must iron stains, which are tough
perform rapidly. The use of strong chelates like to remove.
Dissolvine® M-40 / Dissolvine® M-S is essential
for fast dirt removal without the need of exten- The high cleaning power and the good
sive mechanical action. A strong chelate will ­solubility of Dissolvine® M-40, and particularly
detach the calcium bound dirt from the surface of Dissolvine® GL, enable production of
(as described under Cleaning chapter above). A ­compact liquid detergents that will reduce
non-ionic surfactant cannot achieve this by costs for production, packaging and
itself. The strong chelate softens the water and transports.

14
15
 Safe for humans and
the environment

Ecotox and toxicological data Eco Labelling

The excellent properties regarding human MGDA’s safe nature and its low environmental
toxicity and environmental acceptability are impact is recognized around the world, both by
major advantages of MGDA. Dissolvine® M-40 / private and governmental agencies. MGDA has
M-S are completely safe for humans and the no negative safety issues and does not require
environment. This is demonstrated in table 6, any dangerous labelling. Use the following link
which displays some of the test results for to access ECHA details: https://echa.europa.eu/
MGDA. All toxic and eco-toxic studies were registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/
carried out according to GLP as well as to 15592/2/1.
official test methods. An overview of all tests
and results can be found on https://echa. After extensive review in the United States, the
europa.eu/. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
recognized MGDA as a safe chemical ingredi-
Biodegradability ent. Alanine, N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-, sodium
One of the basic requirements for a chelate to salt (also called MGDA) is placed on the Safer
be considered environmentally friendly is that it Chemical Ingredients List with a full green circle.
must be fully and promptly degradable under a See the following link under chelating agents
wide range of environmental conditions. MGDA for more details: https://www.epa.gov/
meets this requirement. It is has also proven to saferchoice/safer-ingredients.
be bio­degradable under anaerobic conditions
(OECD 311) that can occur in septic tanks of Consumer and industrial products formulated
private households. This finding is important with Dissolvine® M-40 or Dissolvine® M-S may
since anaerobic degradability is a requirement qualify for displaying the Safer Choice logo on
for complying with the European Eco labelling their product’s packaging. Consumers, purchas-
legislation (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/ ing agents and workers can be assured that
ecolabel/). Safer Choice products are safe to use and that
they are safe for the environment.
Biodegradability studies performed under the
wide range of conditions are shown in table 7. In Europe, MGDA is listed on the French positive
list, which means that it is approved for institu-
tional dish washing and (food contact) hard
surface cleaning.

16
Dissolvine® M-40 is fully compliant with the Chemical registrations
Nordic Swan detergent Ecolabel legislation. The following are countries that have included
See the following link under product groups: MGDA-Na3 , CAS 164462-16-22 in their registra-
http://www.nordic-ecolabel.org/product-­ tions and/or national inventories:
groups/ • European Union
It also complies with the EU Ecolabel legislation, • United States of America
which can be found in the criteria documents • Canada
on https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecolabel/ • China
products-groups-and-criteria.html. • Japan
• Korea
MGDA is listed in the the European Detergent • Taiwan
Ingredient Database (DID list) under line 2608 • New Zealand
(Tri-sodium methylglycine diacetate). For details • Australia
see: https://www.svanen.se/en/how-to-apply/ • Turkey
criteria-application/did-list/. MGDA is also
compliant with the European Regulation on Handling and Storage
Cosmetic products EC 1223/2009. Dissolvine® M-40 and Dissolvine® M-S are stable
products under normal and recommended
storage conditions. There are no decomposi-
tion or dangerous reactions known under
normal conditions.
Due to its high pH, Dissolvine® M-40 should be
stored in containers made of corrosion-resistant
material (e.g. stainless steel or plastic containers).

Materials to avoid in storage containers: Alumi-

num, Zinc, Copper alloys, Copper, Nickel. Don’t
combine MGDA with hypochlorite bleach. More
information on handling and safety issues can be
found in the safety data sheet of Dissolvine® M-40
and Dissolvine® M-S.

2
Containing <1% NaOH, CAS 1310-73-2.

17
 Table 6: (Eco)-toxicological test data for MGDA

Method MGDA-Na3
Physical chemical properties
Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water) HPLC EU method A.8 Log Pow < –4
Water Solubility EU method A.6 Solubility > 500 g/L

Effects on biotic systems

Algae, growth inhibition (Scenedesmus subspicatus) EU method C.3 72-h – EC50 > 100 mg/L
Daphnia sp. acute immobilization (Daphnia magna) EU method C.2 48-h – EC50 > 100 mg/L
Daphnia magna long term toxicity and reproduction EU method C.20 21-day – NOEC ≥ 100 mg/L
Fish, short term toxicity (Zebra fish) EU method C.1 96-h – LC50 > 110 mg/L
Fish, prolonged toxicity test (Rainbow trout) OECD 204 28-day – NOEC = 100 mg/L

Health effects
Acute oral toxicity (rat) EU Method B.1 LD50 > 2000 mg/kg bw
Acute dermal toxicity (rat) OECD 402 LD50 > 2000 mg/kg bw
Acute dermal irritation/corrosion (rabbit) OECD 404 not irritating
Acute eye irritation/corrosion (rabbit) OECD 405 not irritating
Skin sensitization (guinea pig) OECD 406 not sensitizing
Repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity (rat) OECD 408 NOAEL = 170 mg/kg bw /day
Combined Chronic Toxicity/Carcinogenicity Studies OECD 453 NOAEL = 262 mg/kg bw/day
Developmental toxicity (rat) OECD 414 NOAEL ≥ 1000 mg/kg bw /day
Reproduction/Developmental OECD 421 NOAEL for reproductive performance and fertility ≥ 1000 mg/kg bw/day
Toxicity Screening Test (rat) NOAEL for general systemic toxicity = 200 mg/kg bw/day
NOAEL for developmental toxicity for the F1 progeny ≥ 1000 mg/kg bw/day
Bacterial reverse mutation (Ames test) OECD 471/472 not mutagenic
In vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test OECD 473 ambiguous results due to chelating properties of MGDA-Na3
In vitro mammalian cell gene mutation test OECD 476 not genotoxic
In vivo micronucleus test (mouse) OECD 474 not genotoxic

NOAEL = No Observed Adverse Effect Level

NOEC = No Observed Effect Concentration
bw = bodyweight

Table 7: Biodegradability test data for Dissolvine® M-40

Biodegradability studies OECD Method Result

Ready Biodegradability DOC die away test 301A after 14d 90–100% biodegraded
Interpretation: readily biodegradable
Ready Biodegradability CO2 evaluation test 301 B after 10d 77% biodegraded
after 28d 90–100% biodegraded
Interpretation: readily biodegradable
Ready Biodegradability modified MITI test 301 C after 37d 90–100% DOC removal and O2 consumption
Interpretation: readily biodegradable
Ready Biodegradability manometric respirometry test 301 F after 28d 88% biodegradability
Interpretation: readily biodegradable
Inherent biodegradability/Zahn-Wellens test 302 B DOC removal in excess of 90% after 8 days
Anaerobic Biodegradability test 311 after 14d 7%, after 21d 48%, after 35d 82% and after 61d 87%
biodegradable
Interpretation: anaerobic biodegradable

18
Our sustainability approach
We have long been an industry leader in sus- Our Dissolvine® MGDA product line shows our
tainability and our commitment to sustainability sustainability commitment. Due to its readily
remains unchanged going forward. We take biodegradable properties it is marked as an
pride in improving our environmental impact Eco-Premium Solution and it provides a key
and maximizing our positive societal impact. environmental aspect as replacement for
We work in alignment with the UN Paris Climate traditional and more pollutant ingredients, such
Agreement and we contribute to the UN as phosphates.
­Sustainable Development Goals through
our operations, supply chain, products, and Dissolvine® M-40 is an everyday essential
initiatives. ingredient with well-recognized benefits in a
wide range of applications; mainly used in
On a daily basis we strive to do more with less, Household as well as Industrial and Institutional
reducing carbon emissions through a combina- cleaning applications. Dissolvine® M-40 and
tion of improved energy efficiency, increased Dissolvine® M-S strengthens our biodegradable
use of renewable energy, and higher use of chelate portfolio as well as demonstrates our
bio-based raw materials in production. Down- strong commitment to contribute in protecting
stream, we focus on expanding our portfolio and improving our urban environments.
of eco-premium products, which have a signifi-
cant sustainability benefit over common alter- Dissolvine® M-40 / M-S contain 43% renewable
natives. We see sustainability not just as the right C-atoms (ASTM method D6866), which under-
thing to do, but as a true business opportunity lines the sustainability approach taken by
that delivers value to everyone involved. Nouryon.

*Dissolvine® is a registered trademark in many countries.

19
Nouryon
Velperweg 76
6824 BM Arnhem
The Netherlands

chelates.nouryon.com

We are a global specialty chemicals leader. Industries worldwide rely on

our essential chemistry in the manufacture of everyday products such as
paper, plastics, building materials, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care
items. Building on our nearly 400-year history, the dedication of our 10,000
September 2020 | 00000_000000

employees, and our shared commitment to business growth, strong financial

performance, safety, sustainability, and innovation, we have established a
world-class business and built strong partnerships with our customers. We
operate in over 80 countries around the world and our portfolio of industry-
leading brands includes Eka, Dissolvine, Trigonox, and Berol.

Dissolvine® is a registered trademark in many countries