Abstract: A novel intermediate useful in the synthesis of ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (ED3A) or its salts. A salt of N,N'-ethylenediaminediacetic acid (ED2AH.sub.2) is condensed with formaldehyde to form a stable 5-membered ring intermediate. The addition of cyanide across this cyclic material forms ethylenediamine N,N'-diacetic acid-N'-cyanomethyl or salts thereof (mononitrile-diacid), which is a useful intermediate in the production of ED3A. The nitrile in aqueous solutions may be spontaneously cyclized to form 2-oxo-1,4-piperazinediacetic acid (3KP) or salts thereof. In the presence of excess base, salts of ED3A are formed in excellent yield and purity.

Abstract: A novel intermediate useful in the synthesis of ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (ED3A) or its salts. N,N'-ethylenediaminediacetic acid (ED2AH.sub.2) or a salt containing up to one equivalent of base cation is condensed with formaldehyde to form a stable 5-membered ring intermediate. The addition of cyanide across this cyclic material forms ethylenediamine N,N'-diacetic acid-N'-cyanomethyl or salts thereof (mononitrile-diacid), which is a useful intermediate in the production or ED3A. The nitrile in aqueous solutions may be spontaneously cyclized to form 2-oxo-1,4-piperazinediacetic acid (3KP) or salts thereof. In the presence of excess base, salts of ED3A are formed in excellent yield and purity.

Abstract: A process for producing iminodiacetonitrile (IDAN) from glycolonitrile and ammonia or its salt is disclosed. In the batch process, pH is controlled with the addition of ammonia or suitable acids. In the continuous process, glycolonitrile and ammonia are reacted in near stoichiometric amounts at a temperature from about 90.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C.

Abstract: A novel intermediate useful in the synthesis of ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (ED3A) or its salts. A salt of N,N'-ethylenediaminediacetic acid (ED2AH.sub.2) is condensed with formaldehyde to form a stable 5-membered ring intermediate. The addition of cyanide across this cyclic material forms ethylenediamine N,N'-diacetic acid-N'-cyanomethyl or salts thereof (mononitrile-diacid), which is useful intermediate in the production of ED3A. The nitrile in aqueous solutions may be spontaneously cyclized to form 2-oxo-1,4-piperazindeiacetic acid (3KP) or salts thereof. In the presence of excess base, salts of ED3A are formed in excellent yield and purity.