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Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate

  • Chelators
  • CAS 164462-16-2
  • IUPAC: N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-DL-alanine trisodium salt

Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate (CAS 164462-16-2) appears in 2 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Low acute toxicity. Not classified as a skin sensitizer, asthmagen, or carcinogen. No Prop 65 listing. GHS: no classification at typical use concentrations. An amino acid-derived molecule with a generally favorable human health profile compared to legacy chelating agents.

Trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate (GLDA-Na3; CAS 164462-16-2) is a biodegradable chelating agent used in cleaning products as a greener alternative to EDTA and phosphonates. It binds hardness ions (calcium, magnesium) in water to boost the effectiveness of surfactants. The ingredient biodegrades readily in aerobic conditions and carries no aquatic toxicity classification. It is derived from glutamic acid (an amino acid) and does not bioaccumulate or persist in the environment.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Biodegradable chelating agent; binds calcium and magnesium ions (hard water minerals) to improve cleaning performance of surfactants

Common questions about Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate

What is Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate used for in car care?
Biodegradable chelating agent; binds calcium and magnesium ions (hard water minerals) to improve cleaning performance of surfactants
Is Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate a VOC?
No. Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate biodegradable?
Yes. Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

2 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.