multivalency
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. (Chemistry) The state or condition of an atom or element having a valence (combining capacity) greater than two. This means it can form chemical bonds with more than two other atoms or groups.
Usage
The term is used in technical, scientific contexts, primarily in chemistry, to describe the bonding capacity of an element or ion. * The multivalency of the central metal ion allows it to form complex coordination compounds. * Phosphorus exhibits multivalency, commonly having a valence of three or five.
Advanced Usage
- The concept can be extended in biochemistry to describe molecules (like antibodies or lectins) that have multiple sites for binding to other molecules, such as antigens or sugars. In this context, it emphasizes multiple, simultaneous binding interactions.
- The antibody's effectiveness is due to its multivalency, enabling it to bind to several antigen sites at once.
Variants and Related Words
- Multivalent (Adjective): Having a valence greater than two; having multiple values, meanings, or applications.
- A multivalent metal ion.
- A multivalent term in literary criticism.
- Polyvalency (Noun): Often used synonymously with "multivalency" in chemistry. In some contexts, "polyvalent" can specifically refer to having many different values, functions, or meanings.
- Valency / Valence (Noun): The combining power of an element.
Synonyms
- (In chemistry) Polyvalency
- (General concept) Multiplicity (of bonds or functions)
Antonyms
- Monovalency (having a valence of one)
- Divalency / Bivalency (having a valence of two)
Noun
- (chemistry) the state of having a valence greater than two