MGDA 3Na(Methylglycinediacetic Acid)
A highly effective, eco-friendly chelating agent used as a sustainable alternative to EDTA, NTA, and phosphates
MGDA 3Na(Methyl Glycine Diacetic Acid)
- CAS Number: 164462-16-2
- Types: Granules (≥80%); Powder (≥84%); Liquid (≥40%)
- Molecular formula: C₇H₈NNa₃O₆
- Available Forms: Granules, Powder, Liquid
- Appearance: White granules, Slightly yellow powder, Light yellow transparent liquid
- Package: Solid 25kg/bag; Liquid 1.25T/IBC
- Other Names: Methylglycine-N,N-diacetic acid, MGDA-Na3
What Is MGDA 3Na?
MGDA 3Na, also known as Methylglycinediacetic Acid or MGDA-Na3, is a chelating agent used to bind metal ions such as calcium, magnesium and iron.
MGDA is used when metal-ion control is important for product stability, cleaning performance or process control. It is available in solid and liquid forms, allowing manufacturers to select a grade according to their formulation and production process.
MGDA is commonly used in detergents, dishwashing products, personal care formulations, industrial cleaning, and other applications that require chelation.
MGDA 3Na Specification
HOO CHEMTEC supplies MGDA 3Na in three physical forms. The active content and handling characteristics differ by form.
| ITEMS | SPECIFICATIONS |
| Purity | ≥80% |
| NTA Content | ≤0.1% |
| PH(10g/L) | 11.0-12.0 |
| ITEMS | SPECIFICATIONS |
| Purity | ≥84% |
| NTA Content | ≤0.1% |
| PH(10g/L) | 11.0-12.0 |
| ITEMS | SPECIFICATIONS |
| Purity | ≥40% |
| NTA Content | ≤0.1% |
| PH(10g/L) | 11.0-12.0 |
Note: Product specifications should be confirmed against the latest HOO CHEMTEC TDS and COA before ordering.
MGDA Powder, Granules and Liquid
| Feature | MGDA Liquid | MGDA Powder | MGDA Granules |
| Key Characteristic | Ready-to-use, excellent flowability | Fastest dissolution, highest active content | Low dust, anti-caking, good flowability |
| Main Advantages | • No dissolving needed • Ideal for automated dosing systems • Seamless integration into liquid formulas | • Highest unit activity • Lowest transport cost per active kg • Dissolves instantly | • Minimal dust for safer handling • Excellent anti-caking properties • Easy to mix in dry blends |
| Best For | • Liquid detergents & cleaning agents • Industrial water treatment (automated dosing) • Liquid foliar fertilizers | • Dry powder blends • High-concentration solid formulas • Applications needing rapid dissolution | • Dishwasher tablets & powders • Laundry powders • Any dry formulation requiring good flow and low dust |
MGDA (Methylglycinediacetic Acid) is the trisodium salt form of a biodegradable chelating agent.
Key Performance Characteristics of MGDA
Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable: MGDA is readily biodegradable under OECD standards — a safe, sustainable alternative to traditional chelating agents like EDTA and phosphates.
Superior Hard Water Performance: Effectively binds calcium, magnesium, and iron ions even in high-hardness water, boosting cleaning efficiency and preventing scale.
Broad pH & Temperature Stability: Maintains strong chelation across a wide pH range (3-11) and remains stable up to 200°C — ideal for dishwasher tablets, industrial cleaning, and high-temperature processes.
Safe for Sensitive Applications: Low skin irritation and low aquatic toxicity — suitable for personal care products, household detergents, and environmentally sensitive formulations.
Flexible Forms for Easy Use: Available as 40% liquid (ready-to-use for liquid formulas), white granules (low dust, anti-caking), and powder (highest active content, fast dissolution).
MGDA vs. Other Chelating Agents
MGDA is one option within the broader chelating-agent category. HOO CHEMTEC also supplies other chelating agents, including EDTA and GLDA.
MGDA vs. EDTA
MGDA and EDTA are both chelating agents used for controlling metal ions. They differ in chemical structure, formulation characteristics and environmental profiles.
Choose between them according to the required chelation performance, formulation conditions, regulatory requirements and total cost.
For another chelating-agent option, see EDTA/Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid.
MGDA vs. GLDA
MGDA and GLDA are both used as chelating agents in applications such as detergents, cleaning and industrial formulations. When comparing them, consider product form, active content, formulation requirements, and procurement specifications.
See GLDA-4Na for another chelating-agent option.What is Methyl Glycine Diacetic Acid Used for
Laundry Detergents & Dishwashing: MGDA effectively binds calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, enhancing cleaning power and preventing scale on dishes and glassware — especially valuable in phosphate-free, eco-friendly formulations.
Personal Care Products: Stabilizes shampoos, body washes, and skin creams by chelating trace metals (iron, copper) that cause discoloration, rancidity, and formula degradation.
Industrial & Institutional Cleaning: Removes rust and metal residues from automotive parts, machinery, and equipment surfaces. Also used in bottle washing and hard surface cleaning applications.
Textile Processing: Binds metal ions during dyeing and bleaching to prevent uneven color uptake, improve color fastness, and protect fabric strength. Stabilizes peroxide bleaching baths.
Water Treatment: Prevents scale formation in boilers, cooling towers, and wastewater systems by sequestering calcium, magnesium, and heavy metals. Effective in membrane protection for reverse osmosis.
Pulp & Paper Industry: Stabilizes peroxide bleaching, prevents metal-catalyzed decomposition, and helps mills achieve zero liquid discharge by controlling metal ions in closed-loop water systems.
FAQ of Methyl Glycine Diacetic Acid (MGDA)
HOO CHEMTEC currently offers MGDA granules at ≥80%, powder at ≥84% and liquid at ≥40%. The exact specification should be confirmed against the latest TDS and COA.
Yes. Every shipment includes a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming active content, pH, density, and impurity levels.
The 40% liquid solution has a low freezing point and remains stable under most shipping conditions. If frozen, thaw at room temperature and mix well before use — product quality is not affected.
Yes. The 40% liquid solution of MGDA is classified as UN 3265, Class 8 (corrosive), Packing Group III. We provide all required dangerous goods documentation — MSDS, transport certificate, and UN-approved packaging — for safe and compliant shipping. The solid form (granules/powder) is generally not classified as dangerous goods.
The main differences are physical form and active content. HOO CHEMTEC currently offers ≥84% powder, ≥80% granules and ≥40% liquid. Powder and granules are suitable for solid formulations, while liquid MGDA can be used directly in liquid formulations and dosing systems.
MGDA offers comparable or superior chelation to EDTA for calcium, magnesium, and iron, but with one key difference — MGDA is readily biodegradable (>80% in 28 days under OECD standards), while EDTA persists in the environment.
The choice between powder, granules and liquid also affects packaging, storage, loading and transportation.
HOO CHEMTEC currently supplies MGDA solids in 25 kg bags and liquid MGDA in 1.25 MT IBC containers. Loading quantities and shipping arrangements should be confirmed according to the actual order and destination.
Store MGDA in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, keep containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption, and protect from direct sunlight.
HOO CHEMTEC supplies MGDA 3Na for international B2B customers in powder, granules and liquid forms.
We support buyers with:
- MGDA product specifications
- COA and TDS
- SDS
- Packaging information
- Sample requests
- Bulk quotation
- Export documentation support
If you are comparing MGDA suppliers, please provide your required form, active content, quantity, packaging and destination. We can confirm the suitable grade and current quotation according to your requirements.
Methylglycinediacetic Acid Suppliers
HOOCHEMTEC: Your Trusted MGDA Partner
We are a direct manufacturer with annual MGDA production capacity exceeding 30,000 metric tons, ensuring consistent supply and competitive pricing for customers worldwide. Our fully automated production lines operate 24/7, delivering high-purity MGDA (≥84% for solid forms, 40% for liquid) with strict quality control at every stage.
Global Reach, Proven Track Record: With over a decade of export experience, we ship MGDA to more than 40 countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. Our monthly export volume regularly exceeds 2,000 metric tons, making us one of the largest and most reliable MGDA suppliers in the region.
Quality That Speaks for Itself: Every batch is tested in our ISO 9001-certified laboratory. We provide Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with each shipment, guaranteeing purity, active content, and consistency. Our MGDA meets the highest international standards — biodegradability >80% in 28 days, heavy metals <10 ppm, and pH stability across the full range.
Certified & Compliant: Our facility holds SGS certification and complies with EU REACH, US EPA, and China GBT standards. For liquid MGDA (40%, UN 3265 Class 8), we have full dangerous goods export capability — including certified packaging, MSDS, and hazardous transport documentation — ensuring smooth customs clearance every time.
Technical Expertise at Your Service: Our in-house R&D team has over 15 years of formulation experience. Whether you need help optimizing your detergent formula, selecting the right MGDA form, or troubleshooting metal ion issues — we provide free technical support to ensure your success.
Try Before You Buy: We offer free samples of all MGDA forms for pre-order testing. Join hundreds of satisfied customers who trust HOO CHEMTEC for consistent quality, reliable delivery, and a partnership built on performance.
