Ligands are like tiny helpers or partners that attach themselves to a central metal atom or ion to form a complex. Think of them as the friends that surround a leader (the metal atom), making the whole group stronger and more capable of doing important jobs in chemical reactions.
A ligand is a molecule or ion that can donate or share one or more of its electrons with a metal atom or ion. In simple words, ligands act as the "connector" between themselves and the metal, forming a stable structure. This connection helps the metal perform various tasks, like acting as a catalyst in reactions or transporting essential substances in living organisms.
Ligands play crucial roles in various chemical processes, especially in biology. For example, in the human body, the metal atom iron in hemoglobin binds with oxygen, and the ligands help transport oxygen through the bloodstream. In chemistry, ligands are involved in reactions that produce important compounds or serve as catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions.
In simple terms, ligands are essential helpers that work with metals to make various processes possible, from transporting oxygen to helping with important chemical reactions.
In science, an atom or molecule that is attached to a central atom, typically a metallic element in coordination or complex compound is known as Ligand.
Natural ligands seem to be compounds found in nature that bind their receptors with high potency (ideally, in the nanomolar range), causing conformational changes in the complex structure and thus inducing relevant physiological activities.