Sequestrants

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A substance that binds with other compounds to form a stable, non-reactive complex
2. A chemical agent used to remove or sequester elements, particularly metals, from a solution
3. A material that prevents certain ions from interfering with chemical reactions by isolating them in a separate environment

Etymology: "Sequestrants" is the plural of "sequestrant," a noun formed from the verb "sequester" plus the agent suffix "-ant." The verb comes through Old French "sequestrer" from Latin "sequestrare," meaning to place something in the hands of a third party for safekeeping, a sense that came into English through legal use for holding disputed property in neutral custody. The chemical sense follows the same logic. A sequestrant binds a metal ion so tightly that the ion is effectively removed from solution, kept apart from the reaction it would otherwise disrupt. The word thus carries its legal image of an impartial custodian over into chemistry: the metal is held aside, unable to take part.

Synonyms: isolators, sequesters