Science, Tech, Math › Science 0.5 M EDTA Solution Recipe Add the last of the NaOH slowly so that you don't overshoot the pH Print Monty Rakusen / Getty Images Science Chemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on September 16, 2019 Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is used as a ligand and chelating agent. It's especially useful for sequestering calcium (Ca2+) and iron (Fe3+) metal ions. This is the lab recipe for 0.5 M EDTA solution at pH 8.0: Solution Materials 186.1 grams EDTA (disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate•2H2O) 800 milliliters distilled waterSodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution or solid (to adjust pH) Procedure Stir 186.1 g disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate•2H2O into 800 ml of distilled water. Stir the solution vigorously using a magnetic stirrer. Add NaOH solution to adjust the pH to 8.0. If you use solid NaOH pellets, you'll need 18 to 20 grams of NaOH. Add the last of the NaOH slowly so that you don't overshoot the pH. You may wish to switch from solid NaOH to a solution toward the end for more precise control. The EDTA will slowly go into solution as the pH nears 8.0. Dilute the solution to 1 L with distilled water. Filter the solution through a 0.5-micron filter. Dispense into containers as needed and sterilize in an autoclave. Related Lab Solution Recipes 10x TBE Electrophoresis Buffer 10X TAE Electrophoresis Buffer Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "0.5 M EDTA Solution Recipe." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/0-5m-edta-solution-recipe-608140. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2023, April 5). 0.5 M EDTA Solution Recipe. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/0-5m-edta-solution-recipe-608140 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "0.5 M EDTA Solution Recipe." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/0-5m-edta-solution-recipe-608140 (accessed March 19, 2024). copy citation