water of crystallisation

Thân thiện

A student observes blue copper sulfate crystals losing their water of crystallisation when gently heated.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The water present in hydrated compounds: "Water of crystallisation" refers to water molecules that are chemically bonded within the crystalline structure of a compound. This water is essential for maintaining the crystal's shape and form.

Usage

• The term "water of crystallisation" is used specifically in chemistry to describe the water contained in crystals of certain salts and other compounds.
• It is a mass noun and is typically used in a singular form, even when referring to the water in multiple crystals.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate contains five molecules of water of crystallisation per formula unit.
  • Heating the blue crystals drove off the water of crystallisation, leaving a white anhydrous powder.
  • The mass loss upon heating corresponds to the water of crystallisation.

Advanced Usage

• "To lose one's water of crystallisation": This phrase describes the process where a hydrated compound loses its water molecules, usually upon heating, becoming anhydrous.
  • When gypsum is heated, it loses its water of crystallisation to form plaster of Paris.

Variants and Related Words

• Water of hydration (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with "water of crystallisation," though it can have a slightly broader application to any water in a hydrate.
• Hydrate (n): A compound that contains water of crystallisation.
• Anhydrous (adj): Describing a substance from which the water of crystallisation has been removed.

Synonyms

• Water of hydration: The water molecules associated with a hydrated compound.
• Crystal water: A less common term with the same meaning.

Related Phrases

• "Bound water": This is a more general term that can include water of crystallisation but also refers to water held in other ways within a material's structure.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the water present in hydrated compounds

Từ đồng nghĩa

• water of crystallization
• water of hydration