Hydrataatteja

Hydrataatteja, often translated as hydrates or hydration compounds, are chemical compounds that incorporate water molecules into their crystal structure. These water molecules are not merely adsorbed onto the surface but are chemically bound as part of the crystalline lattice. The number of water molecules per formula unit of the anhydrous compound can vary, leading to different hydration states. For example, copper(II) sulfate can form a pentahydrate, CuSO4·5H2O, where five water molecules are associated with each copper sulfate unit.

The process of hydration typically occurs when an anhydrous salt is exposed to moisture, or when a substance is crystallized from an aqueous solution. Conversely, dehydration is the removal of these water molecules, usually by heating. This process can sometimes be reversible, meaning the hydrated form can be reformed by re-exposure to water. Hydrates are common in nature, found in minerals and salts. They also have various industrial and laboratory applications, including use as drying agents, in controlled-release formulations, and as intermediates in chemical synthesis. The presence of water of crystallization can significantly affect the physical properties of a compound, such as its solubility, melting point, and color.