General Chemistry
In the context of solutions and solubility, a solution is a homogeneous combination of compounds, where a solute is a substance that dissolves to form a solution, and a solvent is a substance that dissolves the solute. The process of dissolving is also called solvation or dissolution. In order for dissolution to occur, new intermolecular forces between the solute and solvent must form, as a result of electrostatic interactions based on charge. One common type of solution is an aqueous solution, in which water serves as the solvent.
Solubility describes the maximum amount of a solute that can be dissolved in a solvent at a specific temperature, and it depends on the specific solvent, solute, and temperature. Solutions can be classified as saturated or unsaturated based on whether they have dissolved the maximum amount of solute. When the forces between solute and solvent are stronger than the original interactions, dissolution will be exothermic. When the forces are weaker, dissolution will be endothermic. When the forces between solute and solvent are equal to the original interactions, an ideal solution is formed. Spontaneity of dissolving depends on the change in Gibbs free energy, ΔG.
Lesson Outline
<ul> <li>Introduction to solutions and solubility</li> <ul> <li>Definition of a solution</li> <li>Components of a solution: solute and solvent</li> <li>Types of solutions: solids, liquids, and gases</li> </ul> <li>Solvation or dissolution process</li> <ul> <li>Electrostatic interactions</li> <li>Role of water as a solvent</li> <li>Aqueous solutions: solutions where water is the solvent</li> </ul> <li>Exothermic and endothermic dissolution</li> <ul> <li>Strong and weak interactions between solute and solvent</li> <li>Changes in enthalpy during dissolution</li> </ul> <li>Gibbs free energy and spontaneity</li> <ul> <li>Negative (spontaneous) and positive (nonspontaneous) ΔG</li> <li>Entropy and dissolution: dissolution increases entropy</li> </ul> <li>Solubility and maximum dissolved solute</li> <ul> <li>Saturated and unsaturated solutions</li> <li>Precipitates in oversaturated solutions</li> </ul> <li>Complex ions and chelation</li> <ul> <li>Ion binding and molecular separation</li> <li>Chelation in metal-ligand complexes</li> </ul> <li>General rules for water-soluble substances</li> <ul> <li>Salts with nitrates, acetates, ammonium, and alkali metals are generally water-soluble</li> </ul> </ul>
Don't stop here!
Get access to 34 more General Chemistry lessons & 8 more full MCAT courses with one subscription!
FAQs
Several factors can influence the solubility of a solute in a solvent. These include temperature, pressure, the nature of the solute and solvent, and their respective polarities. In general, solubility increases with higher temperature for solid solutes and decreases for gaseous solutes. Solubility often increases with higher pressure, especially for gases. Polar solutes are more likely to dissolve in polar solvents, while non-polar solutes are more compatible with non-polar solvents. Electrostatic interactions between the solute and solvent molecules also play a role in solubility.
Electrostatic interactions between the solute and solvent molecules are crucial for the dissolution process. These interactions occur when the positive and negative charges of solute and solvent molecules attract each other, which can break down the crystal or molecular structure of the solute and disperse it throughout the solvent. For example, in an aqueous solution, the positively-charged hydrogen atoms of water molecules can interact with negatively-charged functional groups of the solute, facilitating dissolution.
Gibbs free energy is a thermodynamic property that indicates the spontaneous nature of a process, such as dissolving a solute in a solvent. If the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) for a dissolution process is negative, it implies that the reaction occurs spontaneously, meaning the solute will dissolve in the solvent. Conversely, if ΔG is positive, the reaction is non-spontaneous, and the solute will not dissolve. A ΔG value of zero indicates that the system is at equilibrium, and no more solute will dissolve in the solvent at that specific temperature and pressure.
Solvation and chelation are related but distinct processes. Solvation is the interaction of a solute with a solvent, resulting in the formation of a solution. During solvation, solvent molecules surround the solute particles, forming a solvation shell and stabilizing the solute within the solvent. On the other hand, chelation is a specific type of solvation that involves the formation of coordinate covalent bonds between a metal ion (i.e., the solute) and a chelating agent (i.e., a specific type of ligand within the solvent). Chelation often results in the formation of stable, soluble metal-ligand complexes, making it a critical process in some biochemical reactions and therapeutic interventions.
MCAT® is a registered trademark of the Association of American Medical Colleges. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE®) is a joint program of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB®) and National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME®). NAPLEX® is a registered trademark of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. PANCE© is a registered trademark of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. NCLEX® is a registered trademark and service mark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. None of the trademark holders are endorsed by nor affiliated with Sketchy or this website.
