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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Ligand and Chelate?

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The main difference between a ligand and a chelate lies in their bonding with a central atom. Here is a summary of their key differences:

  • Ligand: A ligand is an atom, ion, or molecule that donates or shares two of its electrons through a coordination covalent bond with a central atom. Ligands can be anions, cations, or neutral molecules, and they can be further characterized as monodentate, bidentate, tridentate, etc., depending on the number of donor atoms.
  • Chelate: A chelate is a compound consisting of a central metal atom bonded to a ligand having multiple donor atoms. The ligand, also known as a chelating agent, is a polydentate ligand, meaning it can bond to the central atom at multiple locations. Chelation is the process in which a polydentate ligand bonds to a metal ion, forming a ring.

In summary, ligands are chemical species that donate or share electrons with a central atom, while chelates are compounds containing a central atom bonded to surrounding ligands with multiple donor atoms.

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  • What is the Difference Between Ligand and Chelate?
  • Comparative Table: Ligand vs Chelate

    • Comparative Table: Ligand vs Chelate

    Here is a table comparing ligands and chelates:

    Ligand Chelate
    Ligands are chemical species that donate or share their electrons with a central atom or ion through a coordination covalent bond. Chelates are compounds containing a central atom bonded to a ligand having multiple donor atoms, forming a ring structure.
    Ligands can be classified as strong or weak ligands according to the crystal field theory. Chelates are formed when a polydentate ligand bonds to a metal ion, resulting in a chelating ligand.
    Examples of ligands include water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), and carbon monoxide (CO). Examples of chelates include ethylenediamine (en) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
    Ligands can be monodentate, bidentate, or polydentate. Chelating ligands are typically polydentate and form rings with the central metal atom.

    In summary, ligands are the chemical species that donate or share electrons with a central atom or ion through a coordination covalent bond, while chelates are compounds containing a central atom bonded to a ligand with multiple donor atoms, forming a ring structure.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.