chelating agent

1 definition found

chelating agent - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  chelating agent \che"lat*ing a`gent\, n. (Chem.)
     a compound which forms a chelate with a metal ion.
  
     Note: Commonly used chelating agents in laboratory use are
           EDTA and sodium citrate. Citrate is used as an
           additive to blood collected in blood banks, to chelate
           the calcium ions and retard clotting.
           [PJC]