Dissolution (chemistry)

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[edit] Dissolution

Dissolution is the process by which a solid or liquid enters its aqueous phase (solution). This can be explained simply as a breakdown of the crystal lattice into individual ions, atoms or molecules.

[edit] Ionic Compounds

For ionic compounds, dissolution takes place when the component ions dissociate into its component parts. This normally occurs in polar solvents, such as Water or Ammonia.
NaCl(s) → Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq)

In a colloidal dispersed system, ion dissolution arises, where the dispersed particles exist in equilibrium with their saturated counter part, i.e.

NaCl(s) → Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq)

The behavior of this system is characterised by the components activity coefficients and solubility product, i.e.

a_{Na^ + } \cdot a_{Cl^ - } = K_{sp}

The ability of an ion to preferentially dissolve (as a result of unequal activities) is classified as the Potential Determining Ion. This in turn results in the remaining particle possessing either a net positive/negative surface charge.

[edit] Polar Compounds

Other compounds experience dissolution simply as a breakdown of their crystal lattice, and due to their polarity, or non-polarity, mix perfectly with the solvent.


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