hüdrolüüside

Hüdrolüüside is a chemical process where a molecule of water is used to break down a compound. The term "hydrolysis" literally means "water splitting." In this reaction, the water molecule is split into a hydrogen ion (H+) and a hydroxide ion (OH-). These ions then attach to different parts of the compound being broken down, resulting in the formation of two or more smaller molecules.

Hydrolysis reactions are common in both organic and inorganic chemistry. For example, the digestion of food involves hydrolysis. Carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars, proteins into amino acids, and fats into fatty acids and glycerol through hydrolysis reactions catalyzed by enzymes in the body. In inorganic chemistry, the hydrolysis of salts can lead to acidic or basic solutions depending on the nature of the ions formed.

Esters undergo hydrolysis to form carboxylic acids and alcohols. Amides hydrolyze to form carboxylic acids and amines. The hydrolysis of disaccharides, such as sucrose into glucose and fructose, is another important biological example. The reverse of hydrolysis is dehydration synthesis, where water is removed to join molecules. Understanding hydrolysis is crucial in many fields, including biochemistry, organic chemistry, and environmental science, as it plays a role in numerous natural and industrial processes.