Ultimate Guide to EDDHA-Fe 6% CAS 16455-61-1: High-Performance Chelated Iron
Written by: ALEN, Chemical Engineer, MOSINTER | 15 years in "vitamin manufacturing" and "pharmaceutical APIs"
As a chemical engineer with 15 years of experience in high-purity substance synthesis, I've seen how minor molecular differences impact large-scale agricultural outcomes. Many procurement managers face a common "invisible wall": they apply standard iron supplements, but crops remain yellow and stunted. This is usually due to iron precipitation in alkaline soils. EDDHA-Fe 6% (CAS 16455-61-1) is the definitive chemical solution, designed to keep iron bioavailable where EDTA and inorganic salts fail.

1. What is EDDHA-Fe 6% and Why is it Essential?
What exactly is EDDHA-Fe 6% and how does its chemical structure benefit plants?
EDDHA-Fe 6% (CAS 16455-61-1) is a specialized chelated iron fertilizer where the iron ion is protected by an Ethylenediamine-N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) structure, ensuring it remains soluble in high-pH environments.
Unlike standard iron sulfate, MOSINTER's EDDHA-Fe uses a sophisticated chelation process to prevent the iron (Fe3+) from reacting with hydroxide or carbonate ions. In technical terms, it creates a "protective cage" around the iron atom. This is particularly critical for high-value crops grown in calcareous or alkaline soils (pH > 7.0).
Technical Specifications for MOSINTER EDDHA-Fe 6%
|
Property |
Specification Detail |
|
CAS Number |
16455-61-1 |
|
Chemical Formula |
C18H14FeN2NaO6 |
|
Appearance |
Very Dark Red Solid Powder |
|
Chelated Iron Content |
≥ 6.0% |
|
Density |
0.55 [at 20℃] |
|
Solubility |
~60g/L (20℃) |
|
pH Stability Range |
4.0 - 9.0 |
2. How Does EDDHA-Fe Solve Iron Deficiency in Alkaline Soils?

Why do traditional iron fertilizers fail in alkaline conditions?
In soils with a pH above 7, free iron ions quickly oxidize and precipitate as insoluble iron hydroxide; EDDHA-Fe 6% prevents this by maintaining a stable chelate ring that only releases iron at the root surface.
What most suppliers won't tell you is the importance of the "ortho-ortho" isomer. While many low-cost versions of EDDHA-Fe exist, the stability of the chelate depends on its molecular orientation. MOSINTER ensures a high percentage of stable isomers, preventing the "reversion" that occurs in lower-quality products. According to PubChem (CAS 16455-61-1), this stability is what makes EDDHA the preferred ligand for iron delivery in saline-alkali land.
Fe-Availability Comparison by Soil pH
|
Iron Source |
pH 4.0-6.0 (Acidic) |
pH 7.0 (Neutral) |
pH 8.0-9.0 (Alkaline) |
|
Iron Sulfate (Inorganic) |
Available |
Low Availability |
Precipitates (Useless) |
|
EDTA-Fe 13% |
High Availability |
Moderate |
Unstable |
|
EDDHA-Fe 6% |
High Availability |
High Availability |
Maximum Stability |
3. EDDHA-Fe vs. EDTA-Fe: Which One Should You Choose?
Is the higher price of EDDHA-Fe 6% justified compared to EDTA-Fe?
Yes, because EDTA-Fe begins to lose its stability at a pH of 6.5, whereas EDDHA-Fe remains 100% effective up to a pH of 9.0, making it the only viable choice for many fruit and vegetable regions.
In my 15 years in chemical engineering, I've evaluated hundreds of formulations. For foliar spraying on acidic crops, EDTA is fine. However, for soil application or fertigation in regions with hard water or limestone soils, using EDTA is essentially throwing money away. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) research highlights that iron-EDDHA is significantly more effective at increasing leaf chlorophyll content in calcareous conditions than other chelates.
Application Efficiency Comparison
|
Feature |
EDTA-Fe |
EDDHA-Fe 6% |
|
Primary Use |
Foliar Spray |
Soil Drench / Fertigation |
|
Longevity in Soil |
Short-lived |
Long-lasting |
|
Color in Solution |
Yellow/Greenish |
Deep Blood Red |
|
Cost per Unit |
Lower |
Higher (But lower dosage needed) |
4. Key Applications and Dosage Guidelines
How should EDDHA-Fe 6% be applied for maximum ROI?
The most effective method is through soil drenching or drip irrigation during the early growth stages, ensuring the chelate reaches the root zone where it can be actively absorbed.
For industrial-scale agriculture, we recommend the following dosages based on ISO-compliant agricultural standards:
|
Crop Category |
Recommended Dosage |
Application Method |
|
Fruit Trees (Citrus/Apple) |
20g - 50g per tree |
Soil injection or drenching |
|
Greenhouse Vegetables |
2.5kg - 5kg per hectare |
Drip irrigation (Fertigation) |
|
Flowers (Roses/Lilies) |
10g - 20g per 100m² |
Weekly during growth peak |

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I mix EDDHA-Fe 6% with other fertilizers?
Yes, it is compatible with most NPK fertilizers. However, always perform a "jar test" first. Avoid mixing with concentrated acids.
Q2: Why is the color so dark red?
The deep red color is a result of the ferric-sodium complex. It acts as a visual indicator of the chelate's concentration and purity.
Q3: Is EDDHA-Fe 6% safe for the environment?
When used according to guidelines, it is safe. It prevents heavy metal leaching by ensuring the iron is absorbed by the plant rather than accumulating in the soil.
Q4: How fast will I see results?
For iron-deficient (yellow) leaves, you can typically see "greening" within 7-10 days after a successful soil application.
Q5: What is the shelf life?
MOSINTER EDDHA-Fe 6% has a shelf life of 36 months if stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Conclusion
EDDHA-Fe 6% (CAS 16455-61-1) is not just a fertilizer; it's a precision chemical tool for modern agriculture. By protecting the iron from soil lockout, it ensures healthy, green crops and higher yields in the most challenging alkaline environments.
Ready to enhance your crop quality? Contact MOSINTER for bulk orders and technical consultations.
Company: MOSINTER (21 Years of Industry Experience)
Internal Link: Explore our EDDHA-Fe 6% Product Details
WhatsApp: +8618989305995
Email: info1@mosinterchem.com
Last Updated: January 2026

