When is water a solvent

Explain it with Molecules How do Drugs Work? Explain it with Molecules Why is water such a good solvent? Why does ice float?

Why do solids, liquids and gases behave differently? What is the geometry of methane? What's the difference between alpha and beta glucose? How does caffeine work in the brain? How does soap work? What is the difference between sucrose and fructose?

Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous? Why is graphite so soft if it is made of only carbon? What is the difference between Carbyne and Graphite? Why is the fullerene and similar structures the cornerstone of nanotechnology? This is referred to as a sphere of hydration, or a hydration shell, and serves to keep the particles separated or dispersed in the water. When ionic compounds are added to water, individual ions interact with the polar regions of the water molecules during the dissociation process, disrupting their ionic bonds.

Dissociation occurs when atoms or groups of atoms break off from molecules and form ions. Since many biomolecules are either polar or charged, water readily dissolves these hydrophilic compounds. Water is a poor solvent, however, for hydrophobic molecules such as lipids.

Nonpolar molecules experience hydrophobic interactions in water: the water changes its hydrogen bonding patterns around the hydrophobic molecules to produce a cage-like structure called a clathrate. It is this reason that water can dissolve so many substances. Solvents are used commonly in industrial chemical processes but are also used in household chemical products. Solvents are used in almost all manufacturing processes and are components of many products vital to modern living.

Products that are produced with the use of solvents include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, electronics, paints and coatings, inks, cosmetics, food and drinks, adhesives, aerosols, pesticides, and more. Fossil Fuels. Nuclear Fuels. Acid Rain. Climate Change. Water molecules pull the sodium and chloride ions apart, breaking the ionic bond that held them together. After the salt compounds are pulled apart, the sodium and chloride atoms are surrounded by water molecules, as this diagram shows.

Once this happens, the salt is dissolved, resulting in a homogeneous solution. Looking at water, you might think that it's the most simple thing around. Pure water is practically colorless, odorless, and tasteless. But it's not at all simple and plain and it is vital for all life on Earth. Where there is water there is life, and where water is scarce, life has to struggle or just "throw in the towel. Skip to main content. Search Search. Water Science School.

Water, the Universal Solvent. Water Properties Information by Topic Learn more.