Chelate

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈkiːleɪt/

Definitions

• To form a complex compound with a metal ion, usually by bonding with more than one site on the molecule.
• In chemistry, to chemically bind a metal ion with an organic molecule to form a chelate compound.
• In medicine, to treat metal poisoning by using chelating agents that bind to the toxic metal and help remove it from the body.

Usage Examples

• The laboratory technician used a chelating agent to bind the toxic metal in the sample.
• The body can eliminate the excess iron when chelated with certain drugs.
• The metal ion was chelated by the organic compound, forming a stable complex.

Etymology

The word "chelate" comes from the Greek word "khēlē" meaning "claw," referring to the way a molecule "grabs" or "claws" a metal ion. The term was first used in the 1920s in the context of chemistry to describe the formation of complexes between metal ions and organic molecules.

Synonyms

• Bind
• Complex
• Attach
• Co-ordinate

Antonyms

• Release
• Detach
• Separate
• Free

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "chelate" is quite standardized in most languages, with slight variations in stress or vowel sounds. In non-English languages, the primary variation occurs in the articulation of the "ch" sound, with some languages using "k" or "sh" sounds instead. In English, "chelate" is typically pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, while in some other languages, the stress may be placed differently.

Historical Usage

The concept of chelation emerged in the 1920s, with the term "chelate" being coined in the field of chemistry to describe the process of binding metal ions to organic molecules. Its use grew with the discovery of chelation therapy in the mid-20th century, which became a critical treatment for metal poisoning. Over time, the use of chelation extended beyond medicine into environmental science, agriculture, and industrial applications, particularly in the management of metal contaminants.

Cultural Nuances

Chelation therapy has cultural significance in certain medical and alternative healing circles, where it is believed to have detoxifying properties. The process, especially in holistic or alternative medicine, is sometimes promoted as a way to cleanse the body of heavy metals or toxins. However, scientific communities generally regard it as a specialized treatment for metal poisoning rather than a general detox solution.

More Information

Chelation is an important concept in both chemistry and medicine. It involves the formation of a stable complex between a metal ion and a chelating agent, typically an organic molecule that has multiple bonding sites. This process is crucial in various biological systems, as well as in industrial applications such as the removal of heavy metals from water. In medicine, chelation therapy plays a significant role in treating conditions like lead poisoning and iron overload. It is also a research area of great interest due to its potential applications in drug delivery and environmental cleanup.