Lahustuv

Lahustuv is a term used in Estonian chemistry to describe the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent. When a substance is lahustuv in a given solvent, it forms a homogeneous solution at a specified temperature and pressure. The corresponding noun is lahustuvus, the property of solubility. While lahustuv is most often discussed with water as the solvent, the concept applies to any solvent.

Solubility depends on several factors, most notably temperature and the nature of the solvent and solute. For many solids dissolved in liquids, solubility increases with rising temperature; gases become less soluble as temperature rises. Substances vary widely: table salt (sodium chloride) and sugar are highly lahustuv in water at room temperature, while oils are not. Ethanol is miscible with water and is considered fully lahustuv in water. The degree of lahustuv is usually expressed as a solubility value, such as grams of solute per 100 milliliters of solvent or as molarity, and for sparingly soluble compounds as a solubility product or solubility curve.

In practical terms, lahustuv affects formulation, environmental fate, and pharmacology. Accurate knowledge of solubility is essential for predicting distribution, dosing, dissolution rate, and the design of mixtures and medications.