Schwerlöslich

Schwerlöslich is a German term that translates to "sparingly soluble" or "difficult to dissolve" in English. It is a descriptive term used in chemistry to characterize substances that exhibit low solubility in a particular solvent. This means that when a sparingly soluble substance is added to a solvent, only a small amount will dissolve, while the majority will remain as a solid precipitate.

The degree of solubility is a continuous property, and "schwerlöslich" falls within the spectrum between soluble and insoluble. There is no strict quantitative definition for this term; rather, it is a qualitative description based on experimental observation or general chemical knowledge. Factors influencing the solubility of a substance, and thus its classification as schwerlöslich, include temperature, pressure, and the specific nature of both the solute and the solvent.

In practical applications, understanding whether a substance is schwerlöslich is crucial. For instance, in pharmaceutical formulations, the solubility of active ingredients affects their bioavailability. In industrial processes, the solubility of reactants or products can impact reaction rates and purification methods. When a substance is described as schwerlöslich, it implies that special techniques may be required to achieve a sufficient concentration in solution or that precipitation will be a significant factor in its behavior.