Hüdraatunud

Hüdraatunud refers to a substance that has incorporated water molecules into its crystal structure. This process is known as hydration, and the resulting compound is called a hydrate. Hydrates are typically ionic compounds, where water molecules are bound to the ions in a specific stoichiometric ratio. For example, copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate, CuSO4·5H2O, is a common hydrate where five water molecules are associated with each copper(II) sulfate formula unit. The water molecules in a hydrate are often referred to as water of crystallization or water of hydration.

The presence of water of crystallization can significantly affect the physical properties of a compound, such as its color, solubility, and crystal form. For instance, anhydrous copper(II) sulfate (CuSO4), which lacks water molecules, is a white powder, while its pentahydrate form is a vibrant blue crystalline solid. When heated, hydrates can lose their water molecules and revert to their anhydrous form. This dehydration process can be reversible for some hydrates; by re-exposing the anhydrous compound to water, it can rehydrate and form the original hydrate. The study of hydrates is important in various fields, including chemistry, geology, and materials science, as they are found in many natural minerals and are used in numerous industrial applications.