chelate

[/ˈkiːleɪt/ or /ˈkɛleɪt/]
verb/adjective/nounpl: chelates
quelatar
1. (Chemistry) To form a chelate compound by bonding a metal ion with a ligand that has two or more binding sites
The EDTA solution will chelate the heavy metals in the contaminated water.
A solução de EDTA irá quelatar os metais pesados na água contaminada.
2. (Adjective) Describing a compound formed by coordination of a metal with a ligand, typically organic, having multiple attachment points
The chelate complex was analyzed using spectroscopy.
O complexo quelado foi analisado usando espectroscopia.
3. (Noun) A chelate compound or complex
Iron chelates are commonly used in treating iron deficiency anemia.
Os quelatos de ferro são comumente usados no tratamento da anemia por deficiência de ferro.
Chelate is primarily a technical term used in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, and environmental science. In Brazil and Portugal, it is used identically in academic and clinical settings, particularly in discussions of metal toxicity treatment, pharmaceutical formulations, and water treatment. The term is not part of casual everyday vocabulary.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
complexcoordinatebind
Antonyms / Antônimos
dissociatereleaseliberate

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
quelatar
Standard term used in chemistry and medical contexts
Portugal
quelatar
Same term used; scientific vocabulary is consistent across Portuguese-speaking countries
Scientific Portuguese
complexo quelado
Noun form referring to chelate complexes in technical literature

Related Words

ligandchelationcomplexationcoordination chemistryEDTAmetal complex

Related Idioms & Phrases

chelate therapy - terapia quelante
chelating agent - agente quelante
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