Etidronic Acid

Other names: Etidronic acid, Phosphonic acid, 1,1,1-ethanetriol diphosphonate, 1000SL, Dequest 2010, Dequest 2015, E3490

Harm score: 3 (Harmless chemicals)

Etidronic acid, also known by the names Phosphonic acid, 1,1,1-ethanetriol diphosphonate, 1000SL, Dequest 2010, Dequest 2015, E3490, is a potent and stable bisphosphonate compound with many industrial applications. It is one of the chemicals that are widely used as chelating agents, which means that they can bind and neutralize metals, preventing their undesirable reactions. It is a solid white substance with no particular odor that dissolves in water and alcohol. Etidronic acid forms stable complex compounds with metals and can react with virtually any polyvalent cation, yet it has particularly significant bonds with calcium.

The main products to which etidronic acid is added include various cleaning and preservative products, products for descaling and corrosion deposits, cosmetic products and oral hygiene products. In cosmetics it is mainly used as a pH regulator or chelating agent. In dental care, etidronic acid is used as an ingredient in some toothpastes, mouthwashes and gels for the treatment of hypersensitive teeth, where it helps to reduce tooth decay by preventing the deposition of plaque. In addition to these applications, it is also used in the textile industry or in the manufacture of ferrite materials and magnets. However, ethidronic acid is also registered as a medicinal substance for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis or other bone diseases. Other areas in which etidronic acid is used include the water industry and agriculture.