Used as a chelating agent in detergents as a phosphate substitute water treatment for metal ion sequestration biochemical applications for protein purification (Ni-NTA resin) and analytical chemistry as a complexometric titrant.

Forms stable water-soluble complexes with divalent and trivalent metal ions through its hexadentate ligand structure preventing scale formation and metal precipitation in industrial and laboratory applications.

Nitrilotriacetic acid is a white crystalline powder a tertiary aminopolycarboxylic acid with three carboxylic acid groups attached to a central nitrogen via methylene bridges slightly soluble in water and exhibiting strong chelating properties.