How Do You Spell TRIDENTATE?

Pronunciation: [tɹˈa͡ɪdəntˌe͡ɪt] (IPA)

The term "tridentate" is commonly used in chemistry to describe molecules or ligands that bond to a central metal ion with three coordinating atoms. The word is spelled as /traɪˈdɛnteɪt/, with emphasis on the first syllable. The "tri" prefix indicates three, and "dentate" stems from the Latin word "dens" for tooth. Therefore, "tridentate" implies a central atom attached to three "teeth" or coordinating atoms. As this term is frequently used in scientific literature, it is crucial to understand its correct spelling and pronunciation.

TRIDENTATE Meaning and Definition

1. Tridentate is an adjective that is used to describe a chemical compound or molecule that possesses three specific bonding sites or coordination sites to bind to a central metal ion. The term "tridentate" is derived from the Latin word "tridentis," which means "having three teeth" or "three-pronged." In chemistry, it refers to a ligand or a molecule that has three atoms or groups of atoms capable of forming coordination bonds with a metal ion.

   A tridentate ligand typically features three donor atoms, such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur, which can bond with the metal ion through a coordinate covalent bond. These donor atoms are often part of functional groups, such as amines (-NH2), carboxylates (-COO-), or thiols (-SH), that provide electron pairs for coordination with the metal ion.

   The tridentate ligand can bind to the metal ion in a chelating manner, forming a ring-like structure known as a chelate complex. This complexation enhances the stability of the complex and leads to various interesting properties and applications in fields such as catalysis, materials science, and bioinorganic chemistry.

   The term "tridentate" highlights the specific coordination ability of the ligand and provides a concise description of its chemical nature. Understanding the concept of tridentate ligands is important in the design and synthesis of new coordination compounds with desired properties.

2. Trident, three-toothed, three-pronged.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. In bot., having three teeth.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TRIDENTATE

• rridentate
• fridentate
• gridentate
• yridentate
• 6ridentate
• 5ridentate
• teidentate
• tdidentate
• tfidentate
• ttidentate
• t5identate
• t4identate
• trudentate
• trjdentate
• trkdentate
• trodentate
• tr9dentate
• tr8dentate
• trisentate
• trixentate

Etymology of TRIDENTATE

The word "tridentate" is derived from the Latin words "tri", meaning three, and "dentatus", meaning toothed or pronged. In the context of chemistry, "tridentate" refers to a molecule or ligand that can form three bonds with a central atom. The term came into prominence in the early 20th century when chemists began to describe complex compounds with multiple binding sites.