CAS#: 51981-21-6
CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) numbers are unique identifiers assigned to every chemical substance, ensuring accurate identification across the industry.
What is it?
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (GLDA) is an advanced chelating agent and water softener derived from natural glutamic acid, an amino acid. This biodegradable ingredient represents the next generation of environmentally responsible chelating agents, serving as a safer, greener alternative to traditional chelators like EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).
What does it do?
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate binds with metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, and iron that are commonly found in tap water. These minerals can interfere with the cleaning power of detergents by reducing the effectiveness of surfactants—the cleaning agents that lift dirt and oil from fabrics. By neutralizing these minerals, GLDA allows our detergent to perform at its best, even in hard water conditions. Additionally, it prevents mineral deposits from forming on fabrics and in washing machines, ensuring cleaner laundry and longer machine life.
How is it made?
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is synthesized from glutamic acid (a naturally occurring amino acid) through a chemical reaction with formaldehyde and sodium cyanide, followed by hydrolysis and neutralization. The manufacturing process has been optimized to create a chelating agent that is both highly effective and readily biodegradable. Modern production methods ensure minimal environmental impact while delivering superior water-softening performance.
Why We Use Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
- Enhanced Cleaning Power: By softening water and preventing mineral buildup, GLDA helps our detergent deliver superior cleaning results, leaving your fabrics spotless and fresh.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: GLDA is readily biodegradable (over 60% in 28 days), making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional chelating agents like EDTA. It breaks down quickly in the environment, minimizing its ecological footprint.
- Protects Fabrics and Machines: Mineral deposits can dull fabrics and cause buildup in washing machines over time. GLDA helps prevent this, keeping both your clothes and your washer in peak condition.
- Preserves Detergent Efficacy: GLDA stabilizes the detergent formula by preventing metal ions from degrading other ingredients, ensuring a consistent, high-performance clean every time.
Safety & Certifications
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate meets the stringent safety standards required for EPA Safer Choice certification:
- EPA Safer Choice Approved: Pre-approved ingredient meeting EPA's criteria for human health and environmental safety
- Readily Biodegradable: Breaks down over 60% within 28 days under standard test conditions
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Safer Alternative to EDTA: Chosen specifically for its superior environmental profile
Derived from Natural Amino Acid: Based on glutamic acid, a naturally occurring compound - Effective in Hard Water: Performs exceptionally well in areas with high mineral content
- Protects Delicate Fabrics: Particularly important for silk and wool, where mineral deposits can damage fibers
- EWG Verified: Meets Environmental Working Group's strictest standards for health and transparency
All Heritage Park detergents containing this ingredient are both EPA Safer Choice Certified and EWG VERIFIED®, providing independent, third-party validation of safety.