Synthesis of (((2-ethoxyethyl)imino)bis(ethyleneitrilo))-tetrakisacetic acid and its reactions with some metal ions

A new complexing agent was synthesized, namely, (((2-ethoxyethyl)imino)bis(ethyleneinitrilo))tetrakisacetic acid, an analog of the highly effective ligand (((carboxymethyl)imino)-bis(ethylenenitrilo))tetrakisacetic acid. The calculated dissociation and stability constants of the various complexes with metal ions were discussed in comparison with data for other agents. The stabilities of the new complexes are somewhat lower than those of the chelates of the analog. By the luminescence-spectrum method with the use of the europium(III) ion the participation of various donor groups and atoms, including the ethoxyethyl group, of the complexing agent synthesized in coordination was established.