Jan
30


Dissolution

Dissolution is the process by which a solid or liquid enters its aqueous phase (solution). This can be explained simply as a breakdown of the crystal lattice into individual ions, atoms or molecules.


Ionic Compounds

For ionic compounds, dissolution takes place when the component ions dissociate into its component parts. This normally occurs in polar solvents, such as Water or Ammonia.
NaCl(s) → Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq)

In a colloidal dispersed system, ion dissolution arises, where the dispersed particles exist in equilibrium with their saturated counter part, i.e.

NaCl(s) → Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq)

The behavior of this system is characterised by the components activity coefficients and solubility product, i.e.

<math>a_{Na^ + } \cdot a_{Cl^ - } = K_{sp}</math>

The ability of an ion to preferentially dissolve (as a result of unequal activities) is classified as the Potential Determining Ion. This in turn results in the remaining particle possessing either a net positive/negative surface charge.


Polar Compounds

Other compounds experience dissolution simply as a breakdown of their crystal lattice, and due to their polarity, or non-polarity, mix perfectly with the solvent.


Did you enjoy Dissolution (chemistry)? Subscribe to RSS Feed.

Social Bookmarking
Add to: Digg Add to: Del.icio.us Add to: Technorati Add to: StumbleUpon Add to: Reddit Add to: Slashdot Add to: Netscape Add to: Furl Add to: Newsvine Add to: Yahoo Add to: Google Add to: Blinklist Add to: Spurl Add to: Diigo Add to: Ma.Gnolia

Do you have something to say? Say it below.

You must be logged in to post a comment.