Metal chelate compounds are common components of fertilizers to provide micronutrients. These micronutrients (manganese, iron, zinc, copper) are required for the health of the plants. Most fertilizers contain phosphate salts that, in the absence of chelating agents, typically convert these metal ions into insoluble solids that are of no nutritional value to the plants. Chelation is a type of bonding of ions and molecules to metal ions, usually, these ligands are organic compounds and are called chelants, chelators, chelating agents, or sequestering agents.
Chelation (/kiːˈleɪʃən/) is a type of bonding and sequestration of metal atoms. It involves two or more separate dative covalent bonds between a ligand and a single metal atom, thereby forming a ring structure. The ligand is called a chelant, chelator, chelating agent, or sequestering agent. It is usually an organic compound, but this is not a requirement.
The word chelation is derived from Greek χηλή, chēlē, meaning "claw", because the ligand molecule or molecules hold the metal atom like the claws of a crab. The term chelate (/ˈkiːleɪt/) was first applied in 1920 by Sir Gilbert T. Morgan and H. D. K. Drew, who stated: "The adjective chelate, derived from the great claw or chele (Greek) of the crab or other crustaceans, is suggested for the caliperlike groups which function as two associating units and fasten to the central atom so as to produce heterocyclic rings."
Chelation is useful in the preparation of nutritional supplements, in chelation therapy to remove toxic metals from the body, as contrast agents in MRI scanning, in manufacturing using homogeneous catalysts, in chemical water treatment to assist in the removal of metals, and in fertilizers.
English
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈkiːleɪt/
Etymology 1
From chela + -ate (adjective-forming suffix).
Adjective
chelate (comparative more chelate, superlative most chelate)
- (zoology) Having chelae, or in the form of a chela.[from 19th c.]
- (chemistry) Relating to chelation. [from 20th c.]
Etymology 2
From chela +
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