dihydriate

Dihydriate refers to a chemical compound that contains two molecules of water of crystallization per molecule of the compound. This water is incorporated into the crystal structure of the compound and is often referred to as hydration water. When a dihydrate compound is heated, it can lose these water molecules, transforming into an anhydrous (water-free) form or a lower hydrate. The presence of water of crystallization can significantly affect the physical properties of a compound, such as its solubility, melting point, and crystal habit. For example, copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) is a well-known compound, and if it were to crystallize with only two water molecules, it would be referred to as copper sulfate dihydrate (CuSO4·2H2O). The exact number of water molecules in a hydrate is indicated by a prefix in its name. Dihydrate specifically signifies two water molecules. Many common salts exist in various hydrated forms, and dihydrates are a common occurrence in inorganic and organic chemistry. Identifying the hydration state of a compound is crucial for accurate chemical analysis and formulation.