Question

What is meant by the chelate effect? Give an example.

Answer 1

Chelate effect represents the stabilization of coordination compounds due to formation of metal chelates. Complexes containing chelating ligands are more stable than complexes containing unidentate ligands. Thus, $\left[Co\right(en)3{]}^{3+}$ is more stable than $\left[Co\right(N{H}_3{)}_6{]}^{3+}$. Here, en is ethylene diammine, a bidentate ligand.