Determining biodegradability of aspartic acid derivatives, degradable chelants, uses and compositions

A method of chelating a metal ion to form a chelate and biodegrading the chelate comprising step (a) contacting the metal ion with at least one compound having a moiety of the formula ##STR6## wherein each of R.sup.2 is independently hydrogen or an unsubstituted or inertly substituted alkyl aryl, alkaryl, or aralkyl group and wherein the distance between the carboxyl carbon atoms is designated "Distance A", the distance between carboxyl double bonded oxygen atoms is designated "Distance B", and the distance between carboxyl hydroxy oxygen groups is designated "Distance C" and wherein Distance A is at least about 3.81.times.10.sup.-10 m but less than or equal to about 3.86.times.10.sup.-10 m;

• Distance B is at least about 5.13.times.10.sup.-10 m but less than or equal to about 5.52.times.10.sup.-10 and Distance C is at least about 5.28.times.10.sup.-10 m but less than or equal to about 6.09.times.10.sup.-10 m and having the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, hereinafter referred to as LUMO, is on at least one carboxyl carbon atom of the aspartic acid group, such compounds hereinafter referred to as compounds of Formula 2, to form a chelate and (b) contacting the resultant chelate or chelant with microbes of the type specified in ASTM 2667-89, ISO 5815 or effective enzymes thereof under conditions and for a time sufficient for biodegradation wherein either (i) the chelate formed in step (a) is formed in a process of cleaning or washing;
• removing deposits, scale, or rust;
• controlling metal initiated or catalyzed oxidation or deterioration including spoilage, discoloration, or rancidification;
• textile treatment;
• paper making;
• stabilization of polymers or phosphates;
• or petroleum drilling, production or recovery;
• or (ii) the chelate formed in step (a) is before step (b) used as a redox catalyst, in a process of photographic bleaching, bleach-fixing or developing;
• in electroless deposition or plating;
• in removing acid or oxide gases including H.sub.2 S, NO.sub.X, SO.sub.X, CO and CO.sub.2 ;
• or in providing agricultural nutrients.