What ions do chelating agents mainly act on?

Chelating agents mainly act on metal ions. These ions include cations of various metals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, and many others. Chelating agents form coordination complexes with these metal ions, effectively sequestering them and preventing their undesired interactions in industrial processes, water treatment, chemical applications, and biological systems.

The ability of chelating agents to bind with metal ions and form stable complexes is central to their use in diverse fields, including metal extraction, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, water treatment, and more. Chelation is particularly valuable for controlling the reactivity and mobility of metal ions, thereby mitigating issues related to corrosion, scale formation, and metal-catalyzed reactions.

In summary, chelating agents primarily target metal ions, serving as versatile tools for managing the behavior and impact of these ions in a wide range of applications.