A ligand is an atom or molecule that can form a bond with a central metal ion. A substance that can form more than one bond with a metal ion may be called a polydentate ligand, also known as a chelating agent. A commercially useful chelating agent most often uses oxygen or nitrogen to bind to the metal ion, although organisms also use chelating agents that bind through sulfur. Common applications for chelating agents include water softeners and treatments for heavy metal poisoning.
Instructions
1. Add chelating agents, such as citric acid, to soaps. Laundry detergents, shampoos and other soaps frequently contain chelators as a lathering agent. These chelating agents capture the metal ions in "hard water" that hinders the ability to lather effectively.
2. Treat hard water with chelating agents. The minerals that are dissolved in water can settle out as hard deposits, causing clogging and corrosion to pipes and other plumbing fixtures. Water softeners such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) reduce the mineral content in hard water.
3. Perform root canals treatments with chelating agents. A chelating agent, such as EDTA, is also commonly used to soften dentin, which makes it easier to access the root canal. EDTA is also used to clean the teeth after this procedure.
4. Use chelating agents in additional medical applications. Chelating agents are frequently used to provide contrast in an MRI scan. The tetracycline family of antibiotics is also a chelating agent for calcium and magnesium.
5. Treat metal poisoning with chelating agents. These medications can combine with metals, such as arsenic, lead and mercury, to form compounds that are much less reactive than the metal ions. The resulting compounds can then be safely excreted from the body.
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