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Glite Dictionary
🔗 A ring compound 🧲 To bind metals 🧬 Ring-forming 🦞 Pincer-shaped
chelate

chelate

9.6
Describing a molecule that binds a metal ion at two or more points to form a ring
  • adjective
  • /ˈkiːleɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : quelado
  • The chelate structure enables the molecule to bind tightly to metal ions.

Examples

  • In coordination chemistry, chelate ligands play a crucial role in stabilizing metal complexes.

  • Some fertilizers contain chelate agents that help plants absorb essential minerals more effectively.

  • Certain antibiotics have chelate properties that can remove heavy metals from the body.

  • The chelate compound was tested for its effectiveness.

  • A chelate structure can enhance the stability of the molecule.

  • The chelate structure allows for efficient delivery of medication in metal ion treatments.

  • Chemists often explore the chelate properties of compounds to enhance their effectiveness in various applications.

Synonyms

chelated
vschelate
  • Specialized
8.8

Having a metal atom held by a large molecule at several places

is the same meaning but used as the base form not the past participle

Compounds

chelate compound
  • Specialized
7.5

A compound where a metal atom is held inside a ring of other atoms

Surface Forms

chelate positive

Morphology

chelate = chela (semi-transparent) = chela + ate

Adjectival use derived via '-ate' from 'chela'; in chemistry it labels substances 'relating to chelation', a technical extension of the 'claw' metaphor and thus only partially transparent.

Etymology

Chelate as an adjective comes from Greek chele 'claw' and describes a molecule that acts like a claw, holding a metal at two or more points to make a ring. So calling a molecule chelate means it can bind a metal in a strong, ring-shaped way.