lipofilous

Lipophilous is a term used to describe substances that have a tendency to dissolve in fats, oils, and lipids. The word originates from the Greek words "lipos" meaning fat and "philos" meaning loving. In chemistry, lipophilicity is often quantified by the octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow), which measures how a compound distributes itself between an oily phase (octanol) and an aqueous phase (water). A higher Kow value indicates greater lipophilicity.

Substances that are lipophilous are often nonpolar or weakly polar. This characteristic allows them to readily cross cell membranes, which are primarily composed of lipid bilayers. This property is significant in various fields, including pharmacology, where the lipophilicity of a drug influences its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) within the body. Highly lipophilous drugs may accumulate in fatty tissues, potentially leading to longer durations of action or toxicity.

In environmental science, the lipophilicity of pollutants is a concern as it can affect their bioaccumulation in organisms and their persistence in the environment. Lipophilous compounds are more likely to adsorb to soil particles and organic matter. The term lipophilic is often used interchangeably with hydrophobic, meaning water-repelling, although lipophilicity specifically refers to solubility in lipids.