Research on the Application of IDS-4NA in Household Detergents

1. Introduction

With increasingly stringent environmental regulations and growing consumer awareness, phosphorus-containing compounds and recalcitrant chelating agents (such as STPP and EDTA) used in traditional detergents are gradually being replaced. IDS-4NA (tetrasodium iminodisuccinate), a novel biodegradable chelating agent, demonstrates great potential in household detergents due to its excellent environmental performance, chelating capacity, and cost-effectiveness. This article systematically describes the properties, mechanism of action, specific applications in detergents, and future development trends of IDS-4NA.

2. Characteristics and Advantages of IDS-4NA

2.1 Chemical Properties

Molecular Structure: C8H7NNa4O8, containing two carboxylic acid groups and an imino group, forming a multidentate coordination structure

Chelating Ability: Strong chelating ability for Ca²⁺ (log K = 6.5), Mg²⁺ (log K = 5.8), and heavy metal ions (e.g., Fe³⁺)

pH Adaptability: Stable within the pH range of 3-12 (superior to citric acid)

3. Application Mechanism in Household Detergents

3.1 Hard Water Softening

Mechanism: Preferentially chelates Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ in water, preventing them from forming insoluble soap scum with surfactants

Effectiveness Comparison: In a German hard water (21° dH) test, 0.5% IDS-4NA improved the detergency of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) by 40% (vs. no chelating agent)

3.2 Anti-redeposition Function

Combines metal ions in suspended soil, preventing them from redepositing on fabric fibers.

Experiments show that a laundry detergent containing 1% IDS-4NA can improve cotton whiteness retention by 25% (after 50 washes).

3.3 Auxiliary Bleaching Activation

When used with sodium percarbonate, it can steadily release active oxygen, enhancing low-temperature (30°C) stain removal.

Removal rate for tea and coffee stains reaches 85% (conventional formulas achieve approximately 70%).

4. Typical Formula Application Examples

4.1 Concentrated Laundry Detergent Formula

Features: Compliant with EU standards Ecolabel standard, phosphate-free formula

4.2 Dishwasher Detergent

Solving the water-marking problem on glassware: IDS-4NA combined with methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA) (3:1) reduces water spots by 60%. Corrosion rate on aluminum cookware is 80% lower than that of a formula containing STPP.

5. Market Advantage Analysis

1. Regulatory Compliance:

- EU REACH registration (EC No. 401-800-1)

- Listed in China's "List of Environmentally Friendly Detergent Additives" (2022 edition)

2. Economic Benefits:

- Although the unit price is higher than STPP, the dosage can be reduced by 30% (equivalent cost reduction of 15%).

- Extends the life of washing machines (reduces scale accumulation).

3. Consumer Perception:

- EU Ecolabel and US EPA Safer Choice certifications are obtained.

- In a German market survey, 78% of consumers were willing to pay a 10% premium for products containing green chelating agents.

6. Future Development Trends

1. Intelligent Applications:

- Development of pH-responsive IDS derivatives that release chelating components during specific washing stages

2. Circular Economy Model:

- Recovery of IDS-metal complexes from washing wastewater (laboratory recovery rate has reached 65%)

3. Cross-industry Integration:

- Adding IDS to laundry detergent film to achieve pre-wash chelation

7. Conclusion

IDS-4NA, with its excellent biodegradability, water softening capacity, and comprehensive cost advantages, is reshaping the technological landscape of the household detergent industry. With the advancement of global phosphorus bans and the development of green chemistry, its global detergent market penetration is expected to exceed 30% by 2025. Future research should focus on performance optimization and the development of recycling technologies to further enhance its sustainable value.

Jining Yuanlian Chemical Technology Co.,ltd, is a global leading producer of Tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS 4Na), if any needs, welcome inquiry by [email protected].