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Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect

Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect

In complexation reactions, metal atoms or cations interact with ligands to form donor-acceptor adducts called metal complexes. Ligands that bind through one donor site are monodentate, ligands with two donor sites are bidentate, and those with more than two donor sites are polydentate ligands. For example, ethylene diamine is a bidentate ligand that binds through two nitrogen donor atoms, forming a five-membered ring. EDTA is a polydentate ligand that binds through four oxygen and two nitrogen...

Extraction: Advanced Methods

Extraction: Advanced Methods

Metal ions can be separated from one another by complexation with organic ligands–the chelating agent– to form uncharged chelates. Here, the chelating agent must contain hydrophobic groups and behave as a weak acid, losing a proton to bind with the metal. Since most organic ligands used in this process are insoluble or undergo oxidation in the aqueous phase, the chelating agent is initially added to the organic phase and extracted into the aqueous phase. The metal-ligand complex is formed in...

EDTA: Chemistry and Properties

EDTA: Chemistry and Properties

Polydentate ligands are most widely used in complexometric titrations because they form more stable complexes with the metal ions than mono- or bidentate ligands due to the chelate effect. Examples of polydentate ligands are ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), crown ethers, and cryptands. The most important feature of optimal polydentate ligands is the ability to form 1:1 complexes in a single-step process. Amino carboxylic acid derivatives are frequently used as complexing agents. EDTA is...

EDTA: Auxiliary Complexing Reagents

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EDTA titrations are usually carried out in highly basic conditions, where the fully deprotonated form of EDTA, Y4−, actively complexes with the free metal ions in the solution. Several metal ions precipitate as hydrous oxide (hydroxides, oxides, or oxyhydroxides) under these conditions, lowering the concentration of free metal ions in the solution. For this reason, auxiliary complexing agents or ligands such as ammonia, tartrate, citrate, or triethanolamine are used in EDTA titrations to...

Metal-Ligand Bonds

Metal-Ligand Bonds

The hemoglobin in the blood, the chlorophyll in green plants, vitamin B-12, and the catalyst used in the manufacture of polyethylene all contain coordination compounds. Ions of the metals, especially the transition metals, are likely to form complexes.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Quantifiable and Inexpensive Cell-Free Fluorescent Method to Confirm the Ability of Novel Compounds to Chelate Iron

Quantifiable and Inexpensive Cell-Free Fluorescent Method to Confirm the Ability of Novel Compounds to Chelate Iron

Published on: February 23, 2024

Advances in iron chelation: an update.

Hossein Heli¹, Siamak Mirtorabi, Khashayar Karimian

¹Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Department of Chemistry, Fars, 7348113111, Iran.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents

|April 1, 2011

Summary

Iron chelators treat diseases caused by excess iron and oxidative stress. New applications and drug development offer future therapeutic opportunities for these vital compounds.

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Pharmacology
Toxicology

Background:

Excess iron causes oxidative stress, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
Iron-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in numerous diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular dysfunction.
Iron chelators mitigate oxidative stress by removing excess iron from tissues and enzymes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review iron chelators as therapeutic agents.
To discuss the role of iron in oxidative damage.
To highlight clinically approved iron chelators.

Main Methods:

Literature review of iron chelators.
Discussion of iron's role in oxidative stress and disease.
Analysis of clinically approved iron chelators.

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Dynamic Light Scattering Analysis for the Determination of the Particle Size of Iron-Carbohydrate Complexes

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Main Results:

Iron chelators are effective in reducing iron-induced oxidative stress.
Three iron chelators are currently approved for clinical use.
Iron chelators have diverse applications in treating various conditions.

Conclusions:

Approved iron chelators treat thalassemia major, fungal infections, and cancer.
Increasing knowledge of iron's role in disease expands potential applications for existing and new chelators.
Development of novel iron chelators presents significant opportunities in drug discovery.