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Glite Dictionary
chelate compound

chelate compound

7.5
A compound where a metal atom is held inside a ring of other atoms
  • noun
  • /ˈkiːleɪt ˈkɒmpaʊnd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : compuesto quelado
  • Researchers synthesized a new chelate compound that can remove toxic metals from wastewater.

Examples

  • The stability of a chelate compound depends on the strength of the bonds formed between the ligand and the metal ion.

  • Many chelate compounds are used in medical applications.

  • The antibiotic EDTA is a well-known chelate compound used to bind metal ions in the body.

  • A chelate compound can stabilize metal ions effectively.

  • Researchers synthesized a new chelate compound that can remove toxic metals from wastewater.

  • The antibiotic EDTA is a well-known chelate compound used to bind metal ions in the body.

  • The stability of a chelate compound depends on the strength of the bonds formed between the ligand and the metal ion.

Synonyms

chelate
vschelate compound
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A compound where a metal ion is held by an organic molecule at two or more points forming a ring

is the same meaning but used as the fuller technical expression with explicit noun
coordination compound
vschelate compound
  • Specialized
7.0

A central metal atom bonded to surrounding atoms or small groups

is a narrower type where bonds form a ring by two or more connections

Surface Forms

chelate compound singular
chelate compounds plural

Morphology

chelate + compound

Given the constituent meanings, the phrase is compositionally predictable: 'chelate' specifies a metal-binding motif (metal ion bound at multiple sites) and 'compound' denotes a chemical substance, so a 'chelate compound' is simply a compound that contains or forms chelate bonds. Although the vocabulary is technical, a learner who already knows both constituent definitions can transparently infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

The name chelate compound comes from a Greek word meaning 'claw'. The part chelate gives a clear image: some atoms wrap around and 'grab' a metal like a claw to make a ring and hold it tightly, so the name explains that the metal is strongly bound.