Solvate

To solvate means to surround and interact with molecules of a solvent. This process describes the interaction of a solute with a solvent, which can involve the formation of new intermolecular bonds, or the disruption of existing ones. It’s a general term used in chemistry to denote the stabilization of solute particles (ions, molecules, or particles) within a solvent by intermolecular forces. Solvation significantly influences the physical and chemical properties of a solution, impacting factors like solubility, reaction rates, and conductivity. The specific nature of the solvation process (e.g., hydration if water is the solvent) depends on the properties of both the solute and the solvent, including polarity, size, and charge. The extent of solvation impacts a systems enthalpy and entropy and plays a role in many applications in chemistry including electrochemistry.

Solvate meaning with examples

• When sodium chloride dissolves in water, the water molecules solvate the sodium and chloride ions, breaking the ionic bonds and stabilizing the ions in solution. This is driven by the strong ion-dipole interactions.
• The polar solvent ethanol effectively solvates both polar and non-polar organic molecules to various degrees depending on the specific molecules and their respective intermolecular forces. The degree of solvation can affect the reactants in an organic reaction.
• In chromatography, the mobile phase solvent is carefully chosen to solvate the components of a mixture differently. This differential solvation allows for separation based on each compounds specific affinity for either the stationary or mobile phase.
• The solvation of lithium ions in an electrolyte solution is critical for the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The solvent must solvate Li+ well to allow for efficient ion transport within the battery and prevent plating on the electrodes.
• Researchers use computational methods to model how solvent molecules solvate complex biomolecules like proteins, thus allowing them to better understand their 3D structure, stability, and biological functions at the molecular level.