Chelating agents are chemical compounds that react with metal ions to form a stable, water-soluble complex. They are also known as chelants, chelators, or sequestering agents. Chelating agents have a ring-like center which forms at least two bonds with the metal ion allowing it to be excreted.
What are examples of chelating agents?
The following chelating agents are discussed individually or jointly in LiverTox:
- Arsenic Chelators. Dimercaprol.
- Copper Chelators (for Wilson Disease) Dimercaprol. Penicillamine. Trientine. ...
- Iron Chelators. Deferasirox. Deferiprone. Deferoxamine.
- Lead Chelators. Dimercaprol. EDTA [not in LiverTox] ...
- Mercury Chelators. Dimercaprol.
What is the most common chelating agent?
Calcium disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (CaNa2EDTA) is the most commonly used chelating agent. It is a derivative of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA); a synthetic polyamino-polycarboxylic acid and since 1950s has been one of the mainstays for the treatment of childhood lead poisoning [12].
