Chelation therapy is a medical treatment that involves the administration of chelating agents to remove heavy metals from the body. Heavy metal poisoning can occur due to exposure to toxic metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. These metals can interfere with the normal functioning of the body and cause various health problems. Chelation therapy is based on the principles of coordination chemistry, where chelating agents form stable complexes with the toxic metal ions, facilitating their removal from the body.The chelation process involves the following steps:1. Selection of appropriate chelating agents: Chelating agents are organic compounds that have the ability to form multiple coordinate covalent bonds with metal ions. They are also known as ligands. The choice of ligand depends on the specific metal ion to be removed and the stability of the resulting complex. Common chelating agents used in chelation therapy include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid EDTA , dimercaprol British Anti-Lewisite, BAL , and D-penicillamine.2. Formation of stable complexes: The chelating agent forms a stable complex with the toxic metal ion through a process called complexation. In this process, the ligand donates one or more pairs of electrons to the metal ion, forming coordinate covalent bonds. The resulting complex is called a chelate, and it is more stable and less reactive than the free metal ion. The stability of the chelate depends on the nature of the ligand and the metal ion, as well as the number of coordinate covalent bonds formed. Chelates with higher stability constants are more effective in removing the toxic metal ions from the body.3. Mechanism of removing toxic metals: Once the chelate is formed, it is more water-soluble and less toxic than the free metal ion. The chelate can then be excreted from the body through the kidneys and eliminated in the urine. This process effectively removes the toxic metal ions from the body and reduces their harmful effects.In summary, chelation therapy is an effective treatment for heavy metal poisoning based on the principles of coordination chemistry. Chelating agents, or ligands, form stable complexes with toxic metal ions through coordinate covalent bonds. These chelates are more water-soluble and less toxic than the free metal ions, allowing them to be excreted from the body through the kidneys and eliminated in the urine. By selecting the appropriate chelating agent and forming stable chelates, chelation therapy can effectively remove toxic metals from the body and alleviate the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning.