Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Chemistry) The process of forming a chelate: A chemical process where a central metal ion is bonded to a surrounding molecule (ligand) at two or more points, forming a stable, ring-like structure.
   • (Medicine) A therapeutic process: The use of chelating agents to remove heavy metal ions (like lead or mercury) from the body by binding them into soluble complexes that can be excreted.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Chemistry):

  • The chelation of iron by the EDTA molecule is a classic example in coordination chemistry.
  • Chelation is a key mechanism in many biological systems, such as the binding of magnesium in chlorophyll.

• Noun (Medicine):

  • The doctor recommended chelation therapy for the patient with severe lead poisoning.
  • Chelation is an effective treatment for certain types of metal toxicity.

Advanced Usage

• "Chelation therapy": A specific medical treatment involving the administration of chelating agents.
  • Despite its use for heavy metal poisoning, the efficacy of chelation therapy for heart disease remains controversial.

Variants and Related Words

• Chelate (noun/verb): The ring-shaped compound formed, or the act of forming such a compound.
  • The chelate was stable in solution. (noun)
  • This agent can chelate copper ions. (verb)
• Chelating agent (noun): A substance, like EDTA, that causes chelation.
  • EDTA is a common chelating agent used in medicine and industry.

Synonyms

• Sequestration: The process of forming a stable complex with an ion, especially a metal ion.
• Complexation: A broader term for the formation of a complex, which includes chelation as a specific type.

Related Phrases

• Undergo chelation: To be subjected to the chelation process.
  • The contaminated soil must undergo chelation to remove the toxic metals.

Noun

1. the process of forming a ring by forming one or more hydrogen bonds
2. (medicine) the process of removing a heavy metal from the bloodstream by means of a chelate as in treating lead or mercury poisoning