bidentate
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having two teeth or toothlike projections: In biology and chemistry, "bidentate" describes a structure that has two points of attachment or two tooth-like parts.
- Specifically in chemistry: Refers to a ligand that bonds to a central metal atom or ion at two points.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The molecule acts as a bidentate ligand, forming two coordinate bonds with the metal center.
- Some leaves have a bidentate margin, with each tooth having a smaller notch.
Advanced Usage
- In coordination chemistry: A bidentate ligand, such as ethylenediamine (en), uses two donor atoms to bind to a single metal ion, forming a chelate ring. This increases the stability of the complex compared to a complex formed with two separate monodentate ligands.
Variants and Related Words
- Bidentate ligand (n): A specific type of ligand in chemistry that attaches via two atoms.
- Bidentately (adv): In a bidentate manner.
- Multidentate (adj): Having multiple (more than two) points of attachment (e.g., tridentate, tetradentate).
Synonyms
- Two-toothed
- Double-toothed
- Chelating (when specifically referring to ligands that form ring structures via multiple bonds)
Antonyms
- Monodentate (adj): Having only one point of attachment (in chemistry).
- Edentate (adj): Lacking teeth.
Related Phrases/Compounds
- Bidentate complex: A coordination compound featuring a bidentate ligand.
- Bidentate coordination: The mode of bonding where a ligand binds through two sites.
Adjective
-
having toothlike projections that are themselves toothed
