kelatorer

Kelatorer are chemical compounds that bind metal ions through multiple donor atoms, forming ring-like chelates that stabilize the metal in solution. By enveloping the ion, kelatorer reduce reactivity, prevent precipitation, and often increase solubility. The term kelatorer is used in several languages as the equivalent of chelators, and in scientific contexts it denotes multidentate ligands that form stable metal complexes.

Common examples include synthetic chelators such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), as well as natural siderophores produced by microorganisms. The strength and selectivity of kelatorer depend on denticity, ring size, and the metal ion; stability constants vary with pH, ionic strength, and competing ligands.

Applications span medicine, industry, and environmental science. In medicine, chelators treat heavy metal poisoning (for example EDTA) and iron overload (deferoxamine); in industry, they aid water treatment, paper and textile processing, and metal plating. In agriculture, kelatorer enhance micronutrient availability in soils. In laboratory research, they stabilize metal ions for assays and purifications.

Environmental and safety considerations include the potential for chelators to increase metal mobility in soils and groundwater if released untreated, and the persistence of some agents in water. Ongoing research seeks biodegradable or easily recoverable kelatorer and safer application methods. See also chelation therapy and siderophores.