CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY

I'm still confused about what a chelate complex is and why they are important. Also, does anyone know of any examples of chelates?

A chelate is a complex that contains one more ligands that form a ring of atoms with the central metal atom.

They are important because chelating ligands can bind cations tightly. An example of one is EDTA with a 4- charge, which is used to remove metals from solution.

A chelate is a complex containing a ligand that forms a ring of atoms that includes the central metal ion. Chelating ligands can bind cations tightly, so they can be used to remove metals from solutions.