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Edetic acid

(Science: chemical) N,n'-1,2-ethanediylbis(n-(carboxymethyl)glycine). A chelating agent used mainly in the form of its salts for treatment of poisoning by substances such as heavy metals, cyanide, and organophosphorus compounds. The salts form chelates with metal ions such as lead and mercury and promote the excretion of the metals from the body in a relatively nontoxic form.

Pharmacological action: antidotes, chelating agents.

chemical name: glycine, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis(N-(carboxymethyl)-