Nitrilotriacetic acid

Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), C6H9NO6, is a chemical compound used as a chelating agent which forms coordination compounds with metal ions (chelates) such as Ca2+, Cu2+ or Fe3+. In 1999 about 20,000 tons of NTA were used in Europe.

The uses of NTA are similar to that of EDTA.

In biotechnology applications, NTA is combined with His-tags.

In contrast to EDTA, NTA is easily biodegradable and is almost completely removed during wastewater treatment.