pentetic

Pentetic, also known as diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid or DTPA, is an aminopolycarboxylic acid. It is a chelating agent, meaning it can bind to metal ions. DTPA has six nitrogen atoms and ten carboxylate groups, allowing it to form stable complexes with many di- and trivalent metal ions. Its chemical formula is C14H23N3O10.

DTPA is used in a variety of applications. In medicine, it is used as an antidote for heavy metal poisoning, particularly for iron and plutonium. It can also be used in diagnostic imaging as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), often in the form of its gadolinium chelate, gadopentetate dimeglumine. In industrial settings, DTPA is employed as a sequestering agent in detergents, pulp and paper processing, and textiles to prevent interference from metal ions. It is also used in some cosmetic formulations and as a component in agricultural micronutrient fertilizers. DTPA is generally considered to have low toxicity but can cause skin and eye irritation.