Two synthetic approaches for the synthesis of N, N'-di (2-hydroxybenzyl) ethylenediamine-N, N'-diacetic acid (HBED) and derivatives are reported. The first involves conversion of N, N'-di (2-hydroxybenzyl) ethylenediamine to the diamide HBEDDA via reaction with formaldehyde and HCN followed by hydrolysis. Analysis of the species distribution curves of the Cu (II) chelates of N, N'-di (2-hydroxybenzyl) ethylenediamine-N, N'-diacetic acid (HBED) and its ...