The effects of lead poisoning can sometimes be reversed by addition of a chelating agent to sequester the metal from the body. Which of the following compounds would be most effective to act as such a chelating agent? A)P(CH₃)₃ B)H₂O C)CN^- D)OH^- E)EDTA^4-

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

EDTA (ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid) is a commonly used chelating agent that can bind to metal ions, including lead, and remove them from the body. Its structure is given as EDTA-S2P2-. Option E is closest to EDTA in terms of its structure, and therefore, it would be the most effective as a chelating agent to sequester lead ions from the body.

The Effects of Lead Poisoning Can Sometimes Be Reversed by Addition