Kidevedellisenä

Kidevedellisenä is a Finnish term that translates to "crystalline water" or "water of crystallization." It refers to water molecules that are incorporated into the crystal structure of a solid compound. This water is not merely adsorbed onto the surface of the crystal but is chemically bound within the lattice structure of the solid. Compounds that contain this type of water are known as hydrates.

The amount of crystalline water present in a hydrate is often stoichiometric, meaning it exists in a fixed ratio to the main compound. This ratio is indicated by the chemical formula, often appended with "·nH₂O," where 'n' represents the number of water molecules per formula unit of the compound. For example, copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate has the formula CuSO₄·5H₂O, indicating five molecules of crystalline water per molecule of copper(II) sulfate.

Crystalline water plays a crucial role in determining the physical properties of a hydrate, such as its melting point, solubility, and crystal habit. Heating a hydrate can lead to the loss of this crystalline water, a process called dehydration. This often results in a change in the compound's appearance and properties. Conversely, some anhydrous (water-free) compounds can absorb atmospheric water to form hydrates, a process known as hydration. The presence and behavior of crystalline water are important considerations in various fields, including chemistry, mineralogy, and materials science.