IronEDTA

IronEDTA refers to the iron(III) chelate of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a stable coordination compound in which iron is bound by the hexadentate EDTA ligand. In aqueous solutions the ferric complex is typically represented as [Fe(EDTA)]−, and industrial or agricultural forms are often obtained as the disodium salt Na2[Fe(EDTA)]. The complex is characteristically water-soluble and forms strong, stable octahedral coordination around the iron center.

IronEDTA is widely used as a chelated iron source to correct iron deficiency in plants, especially in alkaline or calcareous soils where iron tends to precipitate as insoluble hydroxides. The chelation keeps iron soluble over a broad pH range, improving iron uptake by roots and helping to prevent chlorosis in crops. It is employed in conventional soil fertilizers, micronutrient formulations, and hydroponic systems. Beyond agriculture, EDTA complexes including iron(III)–EDTA are used in laboratory media and some research applications as a source of soluble iron and as a reagent for studying metal coordination chemistry.

In production, ironEDTA is prepared by reacting iron salts with EDTA under controlled pH to form the ferric–EDTA complex, often isolated as the sodium salt for handling and application. The complex remains relatively stable under a range of environmental conditions but, like other EDTA chelates, can influence the mobility of metals in soils and water if released in large amounts.