How do compounds dissolve?
1 Answer
Got me, just how DO compounds dissolve?
Explanation:
The length of time this question has been unanswered means that it is a tricky proposition to address...so let us make a ham-fisted attempt here. We specify the solvent as water (without too much loss of generality), because this is the solvent of all biology, as well as a POTENT solvent for inorganic solutes.
For ionic solutes we conceive that bond-breaking occurs on dissolution to give solvated individual cations and anions, i.e. for
On the other hand, water is a capable solvent for many NON-IONIC solutes....i.e. for dioxygen...
And without such a physical reaction, the oceans would not be able to sustain life. And the solubility of gases in water may be explained on the basis of old