Question

What structural feature is characteristic of a chelate?

Short answer

Chelates are atoms that are capable of forming cyclic structures around the central atom. They have two or more donor atoms instead of only one.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Coordination Compound

A coordination complex consists of a central atom or ion, which is typically metallic and is named the coordination centre, and a surrounding array of bound molecules or ions, that are successively called ligands or complexing agents.

Solve the given statements

Chelates are atoms that are capable of forming cyclic structures around the central atom. They have two or more donor atoms instead of only one.

An example of a chelating ligand is bipyridine. The structure of bipyridine has two atoms with lone pairs which the compound can use to attach to the metal ion twice.