⚛️ Many chemical bonds 🦠 Acts on many types

polyvalence

9.9

An atom or ion that can bond with more than two other atoms

noun
/ˌpɒliˈveɪləns/

Specialized

: polivalencia

The polyvalence of carbon allows it to form various compounds.

Examples

Many transition metals are known for their polyvalence in chemical compounds.
The concept of polyvalence helps explain the diverse bonding patterns seen in certain elements.
Researchers studied the effect of polyvalence on the stability of complex ions.
Many metals exhibit polyvalence in chemical reactions.
Many transition metals exhibit polyvalence because they can bond with several different atoms in chemical reactions.
The polyvalence of carbon is crucial for its ability to create a wide variety of organic compounds.
Researchers examined the polyvalence of certain elements to understand their complex bonding capabilities.

Synonyms

multivalence

vspolyvalence

Specialized

1 9.9

The ability of an atom or ion to form more than two chemical bonds

highlights combining with more than two other atoms or ions

multivalency

vspolyvalence

Specialized

9.9

The ability of an atom or ion to form more than two chemical bonds

frames it as ability to combine with more than two other atoms or ions

polyvalency

vspolyvalence

Specialized

9.6

A state in which an atom can form more than two bonds

emphasizes active ability to combine with more than two atoms or ions

How Many

polyvalence

Specialized

9.9

bivalence

Specialized

9.8

Surface Forms

polyvalence singular

polyvalences plural

Morphology

polyvalence = valence (semi-transparent) = poly + valence

The word is built transparently from poly- plus valence, but the chemistry-specific sense is technical rather than everyday.

Etymology

The word polyvalence comes from poly- 'many' and valence 'capacity to join'. So in chemistry it means an atom or ion that can join with more than two other atoms or ions.