Solventtien

Solventtien, commonly referred to as solvents in English, are substances used to dissolve solutes to form solutions. They are typically liquids at room temperature, though gases such as ammonia and molten salts can act as solvents under appropriate conditions. Solvents interact with solutes through dipole and ion-dipole forces and can hydrogen-bond; their properties—polarity, dielectric constant, and volatility—strongly influence solubility and reaction outcomes. Based on polarity, solvents are often grouped as nonpolar (for example, hexane), polar protic (water, alcohols), or polar aprotic (acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide). Water is the universal solvent for many inorganic processes, while many organic solvents enable reactions and extractions that water cannot.

Solvent properties are used to predict solubility with parameters such as dielectric constant, Hildebrand or Hansen solubility parameters. Practical solvent choice depends on safety, environmental impact, cost, and regulatory considerations. Commonly used solvents include water, ethanol, acetone, toluene, dichloromethane, and hexane, each with distinct uses and hazards.

Applications span chemical synthesis, purification and extraction, chromatography, cleaning, and pharmaceutical or coating formulations. Environmental and safety concerns are central: many solvents are flammable, toxic, or volatile; improper disposal can harm health and ecosystems. Regulations address exposure limits, labeling, and waste handling, encouraging solvent recycling or substitution with safer alternatives.

Growing emphasis on green chemistry promotes safer solvents, solventless processes, and innovative alternatives such as water-rich systems or supercritical fluids, aiming to reduce risk and environmental footprint while preserving performance.