Development of the Application of Speciation in Chemistry

This review provides definitions and examples of chemical speciation, as well as giving details of the differences in speciation between labile and inert systems. By moving from the simple to the complex, starting with simple species distribution calculation methods based on solution structural studies, this review progresses to modeling calculations that are applicable to “real-world” systems. The biological and or medicinal speciation of the following metal ions are discussed (modeling and experimental confirmation of the calculation results as well as kinetic aspects of their changes in speciation): Al(III), Fe(III), Ga(III), Gd(III), Ru(III), Ca(II), Cu(II), Pd(II), V(IV)O, V(V), and Zn(II)). Brief introductions are also given to trace analytical and environmental speciation. The current status and future possibilities of speciation studies (evaluation and prediction of speciation data), data collection, and databases are also critically discussed.