Chelates are a type of coordination or complex compounds consisting of a central metal atom attached to a large molecule, called a ligand, in a cyclic or ring structure. The ligands are called chelants and they form two or more separate coordinate bonds between themselves and a single central metal atom. The chelate effect is the greater affinity of chelating ligands for a metal ion than that of similar non-chelating ligands for the same metal. Chelates are more stable than non-chelated compounds of comparable composition, and the more extensive the chelation, the more stable the compound. Chelation is useful in various applications such as providing nutritional supplements, in chelation therapy to remove toxic metals from the body, as contrast agents in MRI scanning, in manufacturing using homogeneous catalysts, in chemical water treatment to assist in the removal of metals, and in fertilizers. Chelating agents are also employed as extractants in industrial and laboratory separation of metals and as metal-ion buffers and indicators in analytical chemistry. Chelated minerals are minerals bound to a chelating agent, which is designed to enhance their absorption in the body. They are typically made using an amino or organic acid and are used in various applications such as scale removal, water treatment, corrosion control, and as supplements.