Production Method and the Best Technique for Manufacture Essay

Introduction

Tetrasodium salt EDTA is considered a high production volume chemical in the United States (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). The Tetrasodium EDTA is formed through the reaction of a basic solution of ethylenediamine with formaldehyde in addition to sodium or hydrogen cyanide. After the reaction, hydrolysis is carried out which then leads to the formation of the salt. The method can also be modified through the use of excess hydroxide as part of the chemical reaction. The reaction leads to the creation of an intermediate substance that is known as ethylenediaminetetracetonitrile (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). The element can be isolated from the solution and hydrolyze in a different method. The salt is the then supplied either in anhydrous form or it can be hydrated with water. The hydration involves the addition of two water molecules for each molecule of the salt (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). The salt could be impure with an unknown amount of formaldehyde which is used in the starting point of the reaction. The method, therefore, involves the synthesis of ethylenediamine, formaldehyde, and a source of cyanide which in this case is sodium (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002).

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In the past, ethylenediamine was mixed with chloroacetic acid and NaOH. The salt of EDTA that was produced through this process was highly polluted with NaCl. The method is not used commercially today. The single step synthesis is another method used in the production of the tetrasodium salt of EDTA (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). The salt of EDTA is contaminated with nitrilotriacetic acid salt. Most of the ammonia in the reaction volatizes and is recovered in the process. The remaining reacts with the other compounds and produces the salt of nitrilotriacetic acid as a contaminant. Acidification is the carried out which results in the formation of insoluble EDTA, and the salt of NTA remains as part of the solution (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). The acidification is carried out with the use of either hydrochloric or sulphuric acid. This step produces a pure form of the tetrasodium salt of EDTA, and thus it is the best method to be used. The technique does not require a separation method for EDTN. Hence it uses less energy and less equipment for the process (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002).

Raw Materials and the Price of Raw Materials

Raw materials are the different compounds that are used in the manufacture of the tetrasodium salt of EDTA. Depending on the method used the raw materials vary and have different prices in I in different countries. The raw materials used in the production of the tetrasodium salt of EDTA are formaldehyde and ethylenediamine. The ethylenediamine acid which is the EDTA is a significant compound that is included in the manufacture of the salt. The mixture is either in crystal or powder form. The colorless solid is slightly soluble in water. EDTA behaves as a carboxylic acid in the formation of the sodium salt of EDTA and donates hydrogen atoms to the base which is the formaldehyde. Based on the purity and the measurement of the compound, the price varies. When the purity is estimated to be greater or equal to 99%, a packaging of 250g costs approximately $83.5 (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). When the purity is around 98 percent, the cost per 25 grams is about $14 (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002).

Sodium cyanide is also used in some techniques for the production of the tetrasodium salt of EDTA. The price of the raw material varies with the region, and the purity level is often between 95 and 98 percent (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). 100 grams of sodium cyanide cost approximately $38 (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002).

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable organic compound that has a strong smell. The substance is an essential precursor for the formation of the tetrasodium salt of EDTA. The chemical is usually in gaseous form at room temperature. Formaldehyde is soluble in water and forms a solution that is colorless and poisonous. Based on the analytical specification of USP the purity of the compound should be greater or equal to 34.5 wt. % (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). The price of Formaldehyde is approximately $215 for packaging of 4 X 2.5l -r (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002).

Nitrilotriacetic acid salt is used in the single step synthesis of the tetrasodium salt of EDTA. The price of the compound varies with the purity and the cost packaging. When the purity is greater or equal to 98%, the price is $25 for 250 grams (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). The price does not vary significantly when the product is 99% pure (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). For each of the raw materials, the cost of the product may vary based on the country where it is produced and the supplier.

Annual Cost of Production and the Raw Materials

The production range of tetrasodium salt of EDTA is about 100 million to 500 million pounds. The cost of production of the compound is based on the method that is used. The single step synthesis is the cheapest method for the production of the tetrasodium salt of EDTA. The cost of raw materials is variable and depends on the source of the compound. The cost of production in the United States varies based on the production capacity. The average price of production is $1 per Kg, and the total production quantity is 767922 kg which then translates to $ 767922 annually (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). The price of the raw material is less when they are imported in large quantities which will consequently lead to a reduction in the cost of production.

Global Market Requirements

Various regulations have been set in the global market for tetrasodium salt of EDTA. The disposal guidelines demand that the compound should be disposed of through the use of another chemical product that is less inherent for environmental contamination. The unused product should be recycled or returned to the supplier. The disposal of material must follow guidelines based on its effect on the environment and must conform to the directions on public health. The residues of the tetrasodium salt of EDTA are exempted from the requirement of tolerance levels when used in agricultural practices that are appropriate. The FDA classifies the tetrasodium salt for use a component of the coating where it is used as an indirect food additive. The product purity should, however, be 99% or more when it is being used in products that are meant for human consumption (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). The global market, therefore, ensures that the tetrasodium salt of EDTA that is safe for sale is 99% pure. The manufacturers must follow the disposal guidelines followed and have reliable methods for manufacture if the compound. Purchase of the product is restricted in the global market. The compound can only be purchased by companies that have approval for the same (Lanigan & Yamarik, 2002). Those who have the support for acquiring the product must have a valid reason for its purchase and must provide documentation for the use of the compound.

References

Lanigan, R., & Yamarik, T. (2002). Final report on the safety assessment of EDTA, Calcium disodium EDTA, diammonium EDTA, dipotassium EDTA, disodium EDTA, TEA-EDTA, tetrasodium EDTA, trisodium EDTA, HEDTA, and trisodium HEDTA. International journal of toxicology 21.