CHAPTER 2: Basic Principles of Metal Chelation and Chelator Design

In this chapter we have outlined the basic properties of metal complexes, describing selectivity of ligands, denticity of ligands and thermodynamic and kinetic stability of complexes. We have discussed the redox activity of some complexes, in particular those of iron and copper. The chapter also describes the range of biological properties associated with metal complexes and their composite ligands. The influence of lipophilicity and molecular weight on the ability to permeate membranes is described. The metabolism of ligands is introduced. The pharmacokinetics of ligands and their complexes is described. How such properties are influenced by albumin binding and ligand metabolism is discussed. The main cause of toxicity of ligands and complexes is presented including the various modes of enzyme inhibition.