This lecture covers the principles of complexation chemistry, focusing on the formation of metal-ligand complexes and their thermodynamic constants. It discusses the role of ligands, the HSAB principle, and the distinction between inner- and outer-sphere complexes. The lecture also explores the competition among ligands, the Irwing-Williams series, and the influence of ligands on metal ion toxicity. Additionally, it delves into the complexation of metal ions in biological systems, such as detoxification mechanisms in the human body. The importance of surface ligands in adsorption processes and the impact of complexation on the fate of metal ions in the environment are highlighted.