EDTA
Definition
- Noun:
- A synthetic chemical compound: EDTA is an abbreviation for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. It is a man-made, complex organic molecule.
- A chelating agent: Its primary function is to bind tightly to metal ions (such as calcium, lead, or iron) in solution, forming stable, water-soluble complexes. This process is called chelation.
Usage
- EDTA is used in specific medical treatments to remove toxic heavy metals, like lead or mercury, from the body.
- It is also widely used in industrial and laboratory settings, such as in food preservation, water treatment, and as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes.
Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor administered EDTA to treat the patient's lead poisoning.
- EDTA is added to some salad dressings to preserve color by binding to trace metals.
- Blood samples are often collected in tubes containing EDTA to prevent clotting.
Advanced Usage
- "EDTA chelation therapy": A medical treatment that uses EDTA to remove heavy metals from the bloodstream.
- The patient underwent EDTA chelation therapy for heavy metal toxicity.
Variants and Related Words
- Chelate (verb/noun): To combine with a metal ion to form a chelate; or the complex so formed.
- The molecule can chelate calcium ions.
- Chelating agent (noun): A substance like EDTA that binds to metal ions.
- EDTA is a powerful chelating agent.
Synonyms
- Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid: The full chemical name.
- Sequestering agent: Another term for a compound that binds and isolates metal ions.
Related Phrases
- "Bound by EDTA": Describes a metal ion that has been captured by the EDTA molecule.
- The lead in the solution was effectively bound by EDTA.
- "EDTA solution": A common way to refer to EDTA prepared in liquid form for use.
- The laboratory protocol requires a 0.5 M EDTA solution.
Noun
-
a complex molecule used medically to chelate metal ions in cases of lead or heavy metal poisoning
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