BIDENTATE Meaning and
Definition
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Bidentate is an adjective used to describe a chemical compound or ligand that is capable of forming two separate bonds or attachments with a central atom or molecule. The term "bidentate" comes from the Latin words "bi" meaning "two" and "dentatus" meaning "toothed."
In chemistry, a bidentate compound or ligand contains two donor atoms, typically nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, that can simultaneously coordinate with a metal ion or another central atom. The donor atoms form coordination bonds by sharing electron pairs with the central atom, thus creating a stable coordination complex. These bidentate ligands are often characterized by having two sets of lone electron pairs available for bonding.
Bidentate ligands play an important role in coordination chemistry and are known for their ability to stabilize metal complexes by forming chelation, which increases the stability and reactivity of the complex. This unique property makes bidentate ligands valuable in a wide range of applications, including catalysis, medicinal chemistry, and materials science.
Examples of bidentate ligands include ethylenediamine (en), oxalate (ox), and 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe). These ligands can form stable bonds with transition metals and other central atoms, providing diverse reactivity and selectivity in chemical reactions.
Overall, bidentate refers to a compound or ligand capable of forming two separate bonds or attachments, playing a fundamental role in the field of coordination chemistry.
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In bot., applied to leaves that have their marginal incisions or teeth edged by smaller teeth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BIDENTATE
- videntate
- nidentate
- hidentate
- gidentate
- budentate
- bjdentate
- bkdentate
- bodentate
- b9dentate
- b8dentate
- bisentate
- bixentate
- bicentate
- bifentate
- birentate
- bieentate
- bidwntate
- bidsntate
- biddntate
Etymology of BIDENTATE
The word "bidentate" combines the Latin prefix "bi-" meaning "two" and the Latin word "dentatus" meaning "toothed", ultimately derived from the Latin word "dens" meaning "tooth". In the context of chemistry, "bidentate" refers to a ligand that has two donor atoms capable of binding to a metal ion. Thus, "bidentate" can be understood to mean "having two teeth" or "two-toothed", where the "teeth" metaphorically represent the binding sites of the ligand.
Similar spelling word for BIDENTATE
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