Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical for chelation of metal ions, which are at least bivalent, contained in water and/or water enclosed objects and separation/recovering of formed chelate; the structural formula of which is formula (I) where R in at least one of the positions shown is comprised of a group in the form of a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain having from 9 to 20 carbon atoms, and where appropriate 1-2 hetero atoms, and which is missing in other position(s); and where X in shown positions is in a group in the form of —COOH or its salt; and wherein the chemical can be a racemate, a mixture of enantiomers, or pure enantiomers or where R is missing in all four positions shown X in at least one position is —COOR, —CONHR or —CH2OR or —COR or —CH2OCOR or —CH2OCONHR; and where X in the remaining positions shown is comprised of a group in the form of —COOH or its salt; and wherein the chemical can be a racemate, a mixture of enantiomers, or pure enantiomers.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for decreasing amounts of metal ions in liquid materials and in porous solid materials surrounded by a liquid, by utilization of sequestering agents that form complexes with said metal ions as well as methods for removing and optionally recovering said metal ions from the complexes. Further, there are provided novel sequestering agents and compositions comprising sequestering agents of the present disclosure.