non-aqueous

A scientist pours a non-aqueous solvent into a beaker.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not containing water: "non-aqueous" describes a substance, solution, or environment that does not contain water or is not based on water. It is used primarily in chemistry and materials science.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The solvent used in this reaction is non-aqueous, meaning it contains no water molecules. (The liquid does not have water as a component.)
  • Non-aqueous electrolytes are essential in lithium-ion batteries to prevent water-related degradation. (The conductive medium lacks water for stability.)

Advanced Usage

• "non-aqueous phase": a distinct layer or component in a mixture that is free of water.

  • In oil spills, the non-aqueous phase floats on top of the water. (The oily layer does not mix with water.)

• "non-aqueous titration": a chemical analysis technique performed in a solvent that is not water.

  • Non-aqueous titration is used to determine the concentration of weak acids and bases that are insoluble in water. (The titration occurs in an organic solvent.)

Variants and Related Words

• Aqueous (adj): containing or resembling water.

  • The aqueous solution was clear and colorless. (The solution was water-based.)

• Non-aqueously (adv): in a manner that lacks water.

  • The compound was purified non-aqueously to avoid hydrolysis. (Purification occurred without water.)

Synonyms

• Waterless: lacking water.
• Anhydrous: completely without water (often used for chemical compounds).

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms directly using "non-aqueous," as it is a technical term. However, in scientific contexts, it may appear in phrases like "non-aqueous environment" to emphasize absence of water.