Chelation studies of cobalt(III) with 1,2 bis(beta-aminoethoxy)ethane N,N,N',N'sodium sulfonate triacetic acid (ASTA) were performed. The results showed the effectiveness of ASTA as a chelating agent by using: molar ratio, continuous variation and slope ratio methods. Stable complex 1:1 was formed at pH from 6.0 to 10.5. Solutions of Co-ASTA chelate of different molar ratios at pH 6.5 and 8.0 were irradiated by different gamma-radiation doses. The results showed a linear decrease of absorbance with gamma-radiation dose which can be utilized as a dosimeter for low dose rate measurement in the range studied. A proposed radiolytic mechanism is discussed. The degradation of the ASTA ligand has been related to hydroxyl radical attack.