Question

The correct structure of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is:

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

The explanation for the correct option:

Option (a)

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA):

• EDTA, or Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, is made up of two amino groups and four carboxyl groups known as Lewis bases.
• It has a chemical formula ${\mathrm{C}}_{10}{\mathrm{H}}_{16}{\mathrm{N}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_8$.
• EDTA is a hexadentate ligand due to its ability to represent six pairs of lonely electrons as a result of the creation of a covalent connection.
• It is a Polyprotic acid. where all four carboxylic acid groups and two amine groups have lone pairs of electrons.
• EDTA can add two extra hydrogens to the two nitrogens of the amine groups in addition to the four carboxylic acid groups.
• The structure is shown below:

The explanation for incorrect options:

Option (b)

• The given structure does not have Acetic acids on the four corners.
• While as the name suggests, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, must have acetic acid, so this option is incorrect.

Option (c)

• The given compound is saturated.
• But EDTA has a double bond in its structure, that's why the “Ethylene” term is used, so this option is also incorrect.

Option (d)

• This option is incorrect.
• Because this structure also does not have a double bond and the two Carboxylic groups are attached in the wrong position.

So, option (A) is the correct answer.