EDTA, Disodium Salt, Dihydrate is an extensively used chelator of divalent cations such as Ca²⁺. EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a chelating agent, a general chemical, and a sequestrant. In molecular biology applications, it is used to minimize metal ion contaminants. Also used to facilitate enzymatic reactions that could be inhibited by heavy metal traces. Inhibits enzymes, such as metalloproteases, that require divalent cations for activity.