sóhidrátok

Sohidrátok, also known as hydrates, are chemical compounds that contain water molecules within their crystal structure. These water molecules are incorporated into the lattice of the solid compound in a fixed, stoichiometric ratio. The water molecules are typically held in place by weak chemical bonds, such as hydrogen bonds or ionic interactions.

When a hydrate is heated, the water molecules can be released, often in a process called dehydration. The resulting anhydrous compound lacks these water molecules. Conversely, anhydrous compounds can sometimes absorb water from the atmosphere to form hydrates, a process known as hydration. The amount of water in a hydrate is often indicated in its chemical formula by adding a dot followed by the number of water molecules, for example, CuSO4·5H2O, which is copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate.

The physical properties of a hydrate can differ significantly from its anhydrous counterpart. For instance, color, solubility, and melting point can all be affected by the presence of water molecules in the crystal lattice. Many common salts exist as hydrates, such as gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate, CaSO4·2H2O) and washing soda (sodium carbonate decahydrate, Na2CO3·10H2O). The study of hydrates is important in various fields, including chemistry, geology, and materials science, as they play roles in processes ranging from mineral formation to chemical reactions.