6. Conclusions

Complexation reactions play a central role in many industrial processes. They are also essential in the living world, where they are involved in the metabolism of metals. The affinity of metals for a wide range of ligands is also a key factor in many cases of growing interest in relation to pollution. Indeed, many metal ions such as nickel, cadmium, lead, mercury, chromium and many others are known to be toxic or even carcinogenic. Not only do complexation reactions enable effluents containing such species to be cleaned up, they also contribute to saving resources by playing a part in recycling processes, as well as in the energy sector (catalysis). As a result, complex chemistry will continue to play an essential role in sustainable development. What's more, the synthesis of new, more efficient and less polluting materials will undoubtedly make extensive use of complexation reactions, as...