A substance that binds particular ions, removing them from solution. Some chelators are relatively nonspecific, binding to a variety of ions with similar charge, and other chelators bind much more strongly to specific ions. A few examples include the divalent ion chelators citrate and EDTA, the calcium chelator EGTA, and the iron chelator desferrioxamine. For more about chelators, see: http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/Brands/Fluka___Riedel_Home/Bioscience/BioChemika_Ultra/Chelators.html.

a compound that reversibly binds to another metal

a flexible molecule with two or more electronegative groups that can form stable complexes with cationic metal atoms

an organic (carbon based) molecule which has an attraction to, and can bind, metals stronger than intracellular proteins

a substance which grabs hold of metal in the body,

Of or relating to a heterocyclic ring containing a metal ion attached by coordinate bonds to at least two nonmetal ions in the same molecule.

An agent that causes formation of a chelate--a heterocyclic molecule in which a metal ion is bound to at least two nonmetal ions in the same molecule.

A molecule used to bind a metal ion with more than one organic group to form a highly stable, ring-like formation.

A chelating agent is a water soluble molecule that can bond tightly with metal ions, keeping them from coming out of suspension and depositing their stains and scale onto pool surfaces and equipment. Similar to sequestering agents.