Chloramphenicol is a chlorine-containing antibiotic produced by microorganisms and is effective for the treatment of typhoid fever.

Chelate therapy is used to treat problems caused by toxic metal proportions in biological systems. D-penicillamine and desferrioxime B remove excess copper and iron, respectively, through the formation of coordination compounds. EDTA is employed in treating lead poisoning.

Complexes [Ag(CN)₂]⁻ and [Au(CN)₂]⁻ enable smoother and more even electroplating of silver and gold than simple metal ions. In black and white photography, the developed film is fixed by washing with hypo solution, forming the complex ion [Ag(S₂O₃)₂]³⁻ that dissolves ...

Coordination compounds, such as the rhodium complex [(Ph₃P)₃RhCl], known as the Wilkinson catalyst, serve as catalysts in industrial processes. This complex is used for the hydrogenation of alkenes.

Chlorophyll, responsible for photosynthesis, is a coordination compound of magnesium. Hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in blood, is a coordination compound of iron. Vitamin B₁₂, vital for combating pernicious anemia, is a coordination compound of cobalt.