aquation
Definition
Noun - Chemical process: "Aquation" refers to the chemical reaction in which a substance, typically a salt or complex, combines with water molecules to form a hydrated compound. This process is also known as hydration in a specific chemical context.
Usage Examples
- (The process of adding water molecules to copper sulfate forms a hydrated compound.)
- (The hydration reaction is necessary for creating certain chemical compounds.)
- (The speed of the water combination process varies with conditions.)
Advanced Usage
"Aquation reaction": A specific type of chemical reaction where water molecules become coordinated to a metal ion or incorporated into a crystal lattice.
- The aquation reaction of cobalt chloride changes its color from blue to pink. (The water addition causes a visible color change.)
"Reverse aquation": The process of removing water from a hydrated compound, often called dehydration.
- Heating the hydrate can cause reverse aquation, resulting in an anhydrous salt. (Heating removes the water molecules.)
Variants and Related Words
Aquate (verb, rare): to subject to aquation; to hydrate.
- The chemist attempted to aquate the salt by dissolving it in water. (To perform the hydration process.)
Aqueous (adj): relating to or containing water.
- An aqueous solution is one where water is the solvent. (A water-based solution.)
Synonyms
- Hydration: the addition of water to a substance.
- Hydrolysis: a broader term for chemical reactions involving water, though hydrolysis often implies breaking bonds, while aquation focuses on water addition.
Related Idioms