[DK-Kem]

Can anyone help me with finding a paper that describes the conditions for the synthesis of EDTA? I found another thread on this topic, but the question from OP never got properly answered so I am hoping to get some help from you guys.

[Arkcon]

Here's a link to the industrial synthesis of EDTA from the Wikipedia page:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EDTA#Synthesis  You can also clink on the links of the reactants, and see how they're made.  You can see from the article that it was first made in 1935 by Ferdinand Munz, and there's a citation on Wikipedia to the journal article he first published in.  It may be hard to find that article, but not impossible if you're really dedicated.  It appears you're expecting a recent, easily obtainable, peer-reviewed article, for a reagent that is commonly industrially produced in megaton qualities.  I suspect you're going to be disappointed in that regard.

[DK-Kem]

Here's a link to the industrial synthesis of EDTA from the Wikipedia page:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EDTA#Synthesis  You can also clink on the links of the reactants, and see how they're made.  You can see from the article that it was first made in 1935 by Ferdinand Munz, and there's a citation on Wikipedia to the journal article he first published in.  It may be hard to find that article, but not impossible if you're really dedicated.  It appears you're expecting a recent, easily obtainable, peer-reviewed article, for a reagent that is commonly industrially produced in megaton qualities.  I suspect you're going to be disappointed in that regard.

Thanks for your help I really appreciate it.

I have already read the Wikipedia page and another page that describes the theory behind the synthesis of EDTA. The described theory on this page (http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/edta/synthesis_of_edta.htm) is sufficient for me, but I would like to find a step-by-step guide when it comes to the experimental part.

However, a chemical that is needed in the synthesis of EDTA, is either sodium cyanide or hydrogen cyanide. My teacher just told me it is too dangerous for me to deal with these kinds of compounds so, unfortunately, I'm not allowed to synthesize EDTA. Since that is the case now, can you recommend me some pharmaceutical drug that is 'safer' to synthesize?

[Arkcon]

Ethylene diamine and formaldehyde or chloramine are not trivial chemicals to handle either.  A basic organic chemistry laboratory textbook will have many experimental synthesis plans outlined.  They generally start out simple, and get more complex.  But they all require care when handling.  You don't have to synthesize something with a practical use, like EDTA or a pharmaceutical.  Look at this example of a laboratory plan, it starts out much more simply.  http://www.bc.edu/schools/cas/chemistry/undergrad/orgexp.html

[DK-Kem]

Ethylene diamine and formaldehyde or chloramine are not trivial chemicals to handle either.  A basic organic chemistry laboratory textbook will have many experimental synthesis plans outlined.  They generally start out simple, and get more complex.  But they all require care when handling.  You don't have to synthesize something with a practical use, like EDTA or a pharmaceutical.  Look at this example of a laboratory plan, it starts out much more simply.  http://www.bc.edu/schools/cas/chemistry/undergrad/orgexp.html

Yes I know that about ethylene diamine and formaldehyde, but I am allowed to work with those compounds.

My group and I have decided to work with optimization of the lidocaine synthesis.

Again, thanks for your help.