ScienceAugust 18, 2026

octadentate

OK-tuh-den-tate

Definition

In coordination chemistry, an octadentate ligand is one that attaches to a central metal ion at eight distinct points, effectively surrounding it with eight donor atoms.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'octo' meaning 'eight' and 'dens' meaning 'tooth,' referring to the 'teeth' or donor atoms used by a ligand to bite into or bind to a metal ion.

In the news

The researchers used an octadentate uranium complex as the starting material for their reaction, which helped position the metal atoms closely enough to form the record-breaking cumulative bonds.

Uranium complex smashes record for consecutive bonds between atoms

Read the full article ↗

Chemistry World

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