Equilibrium constant for formation of metal-EDTA complex:
[M(EDTA)]^(n-) = [M^(n+)] [EDTA^4-]
EDTA titration equation:
M2+ + H4EDTA ⇌ [M(EDTA)]^2- + 4H^+
Formation of calcium-EDTA complex:
Ca^2+ + H4EDTA ⇌ [Ca(EDTA)]^−
Example: Formation of iron-EDTA complex:
Fe^3+ + H4EDTA ⇌ [Fe(EDTA)]^−
Example: Formation of copper-EDTA complex:
Cu^2+ + H4EDTA ⇌ [Cu(EDTA)]^2−
The stability of metal-EDTA complexes depends on various factors, including the metal ion charge, pH, and temperature.
EDTA can selectively bind to certain metal ions based on the stability constants of the complexes.