E385 Acidity regulator

In industry, E385 is mainly used to sequester metal ions in an aqueous solution. In the textile industry, it prevents metal ion impurities from modifying the colors of dyed products. In the pulp and paper industry, E385 inhibits the ability of metal ions, especially Mn2+, from catalyzing the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide, which is used in chlorine-free bleaching. In a similar manner, E385 is added to some food as a preservative or stabilizer to prevent catalytic oxidative decoloration, which is catalyzed by metal ions. In soft drinks containing ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate,E385 mitigates formation of benzene (a carcinogen).

The reduction of water hardness in laundry applications and the dissolution of scale in boilers both rely on E385 and related complexants to bind Ca2+, Mg2+, as well as other metal ions. Once bound to E385, these metal complexes are less likely to form precipitates or to interfere with the action of the soaps and detergents. For similar reasons, cleaning solutions often contain E385. In a similar manner, E385 is used in the cement industry for the determination of free lime and free magnesia in cement and clinkers an E385 derivative is used to bind metal ions in the practice of chelation therapy, such as for treating mercury and lead poisoning. It is used in a similar manner to remove excess iron from the body. This therapy is used to treat the complication of repeated blood transfusions, as would be applied to treat thalassaemia.

Dentists and endodontists use E385 solutions to remove inorganic debris (smear layer) and lubricate the root canals in endodontics. This procedure helps prepare root canals for obturation. Furthermore, E385 solutions with the addition of a surfactant loosen up calcifications inside a root canal and allow instrumentation (canal shaping) and facilitate apical advancement of a file in a tight or calcified root canal towards the apex.

It serves as a preservative (usually to enhance the action of another preservative such as benzalkonium chloride or thiomersal) in ocular preparations and eyedrops.

In evaluating kidney function, the chromium(III) complex [Cr(EDTA)]− (as radioactive chromium-51 (51Cr)) is administered intravenously and its filtration into the urine is monitored. This method is useful for evaluating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in nuclear medicine.