Multidentate meaning

Multidentate means being able to bond with a metal ion at multiple points.


Multidentate definitions

Word backwards etatneditlum
Part of speech Adjective
Syllabic division mul-ti-den-tate
Plural The plural of the word multidentate is multidentates.
Total letters 12
Vogais (4) u,i,e,a
Consonants (5) m,l,t,d,n

What is Multidentate?

Multi means many, and dentate refers to teeth or tooth-like structures. In chemistry, the term multidentate is used to describe ligands that have multiple binding sites or atoms that can bind to a central metal ion. These ligands can form complex coordination compounds by binding to metal ions at more than one site simultaneously. This results in a stable structure due to the formation of multiple coordination bonds.

Types of Multidentate Ligands

There are several types of multidentate ligands, including bidentate, tridentate, tetradentate, and even hexadentate ligands. Bidentate ligands have two atoms that can bind to a metal ion, tridentate ligands have three, and so on. The more binding sites a ligand has, the more stable the resulting complex is likely to be.

One commonly known example of a multidentate ligand is ethylenediamine, which has two amine groups that can bind to a metal ion. Ethylenediamine is a bidentate ligand and commonly forms stable coordination complexes with metal ions like copper and nickel.

Applications of Multidentate Ligands

Multidentate ligands play a crucial role in coordination chemistry and are used in various industrial applications. They are commonly employed in catalysis, sensors, and the production of pharmaceuticals. The ability of multidentate ligands to form stable complexes with metal ions makes them valuable tools in designing new materials and studying the reactivity of metal complexes.

Overall, multidentate ligands are versatile compounds with unique chemical properties that make them essential in a wide range of fields, from academia to industry. Their ability to form stable complexes with metal ions is instrumental in many chemical reactions and processes, making them indispensable in modern chemistry.


Multidentate Examples

  1. The multidentate ligand forms strong coordination bonds with the metal ion.
  2. The multidentate nature of the molecule allows for increased stability in complex formation.
  3. The dentist used a multidentate tool to clean all surfaces of the tooth.
  4. The multidentate design of the robot's arm allowed for precise and versatile movements.
  5. The multidentate polymer chains provide excellent adhesion properties in coatings.
  6. In chemistry, multidentate ligands can effectively stabilize metal complexes.
  7. The multidentate nature of the enzyme's active site allows for efficient substrate binding.
  8. Researchers are studying the behavior of multidentate molecules in catalytic reactions.
  9. Multidentate chelating agents are commonly used in metal extraction processes.
  10. The multidentate binding pattern of the protein facilitates strong interactions with its substrate.


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  • Updated 17/06/2024 - 11:17:20