Gadolinium(III) chelates as MRI contrast agents: Structure, dynamics, and applications

Gadolinium(III) chelates remain to be the leading choice as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to its structure and properties. The symmetric S-state of Gd(III) is a more comfortable environment for electron spins, thus, slower electronic relaxation rate occurs. Furthermore, Gd(III) chelates remain chelated in the human body and are excreted intact. The solution and solid state structures, relaxation theory, physicochemical properties, macromolecule conjugates, and applications of Gd(III) chelates are further explored.