szolvatáció

Solvation refers to the process by which solvent molecules surround and interact with solute molecules or ions. This interaction can stabilize the solute, leading to its dissolution. The nature of the solvent and solute greatly influences the solvation process. For instance, polar solvents like water tend to solvate polar solutes and ions, while nonpolar solvents like hexane solvate nonpolar solutes.

The forces involved in solvation can include electrostatic attractions, dipole-dipole interactions, and hydrogen bonding. When an ionic solute dissolves in a polar solvent, the positive ions are attracted to the negative poles of the solvent molecules, and the negative ions are attracted to the positive poles. These interactions create a "solvation shell" around the solute particles, preventing them from re-aggregating.

The strength of solvation, often quantified by the solvation energy, plays a crucial role in determining the solubility of a substance. A more stable solvation shell generally leads to higher solubility. The term "hydration" is specifically used when the solvent is water. Solvation is a fundamental concept in chemistry, impacting reaction rates, chemical equilibrium, and the physical properties of solutions.