Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA^4-) is used as a complexing agent in chemical analysis with the structure shown in Fig. 19.8. Solutions of EDTA^4- are used to treat heavy metal poisoning by removing the heavy metal in the form of a soluble complex ion. The complex ion virtually prevents the heavy metal ions from reacting with biochemical systems. The reaction of EDTA^4- with Pb²⁺ is

Fig. 19.8

Transcribed Image Text:

O O M C H₂ -C CH₂ N-CH₂ 1 EN-CH₂ -CH₂ O CH₂ C O 2-