🧪 Forming a compound 🧩 Making more complex

complexation

8.9

Molecules or ions join to form a complex compound

noun
/ˌkɒmplɛkˈseɪʃən/

Specialized

: complejación

The complexation of ions can create a new compound that has different properties.
nanoparticles complexation

Examples

In stark contrast to the conclusions on the donor-acceptor interactions between O and B atoms in the complexes, which are the weakest for D2 and D5, the data here indicate that the overall complexation is instead strongest for these two donors.

Academic text (2018)
This further supported that PEI could interfere with the ethanol-inducing silk I-to-silk II transformation by complexation with SF via ionic interactions.

Academic text (2018)
In this method, the complexation reaction R1 and isotopic exchange reaction R2 are used: formula omitted.

Academic text (2018)
During the experiment, complexation occurred when the molecules combined in solution.
Understanding complexation helps chemists predict how different substances will react together.

Synonyms

association

vscomplexation

Specialized

3 6.7

A process where molecules join in solution by weak bonds

is broader, covering formation of compounds not limited to weak bonds or solution

Antonyms

decomposition

Specialized

2 5.7

Breaking a substance into simpler parts

How Bound

sequestration

Specialized

1 9.3

complexation

Specialized

8.9

binding

Specialized

99 8.2

association

Specialized

3 6.7

Surface Forms

complexation singular

complexations plural

Morphology

complexation = complex (semi-transparent) = complex + ation

The suffix '-ation' indicates a process, but the specific chemical meaning may not be immediately clear to all learners.

Etymology

Complexation comes from complex meaning 'made of parts joined together' and the ending -ation meaning 'the action of'. Think of molecules 'joining' or 'weaving' together into one unit, which is why in chemistry complexation is the process of forming a complex compound.