Hydrophilic
Hydrophilic
Hydrophilic (pronounced: /ˌhaɪdrəˈfɪlɪk/) is a term used in chemistry and biology to describe substances that have an affinity for water. The term is derived from the Greek words 'hydro' meaning water and 'philos' meaning loving.
Etymology
The term 'hydrophilic' is derived from the Greek 'hydro' (ὕδωρ) meaning water, and 'philos' (φίλος) meaning loving or friendly. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe substances that were attracted to water.
Definition
A hydrophilic substance is one that has an affinity for water. This can be due to the presence of polar groups, such as hydroxyl (-OH) or carboxyl (-COOH) groups, on the molecule. These groups can form hydrogen bonds with water, leading to the substance being soluble in water.
Related Terms
- Hydrophobic: The opposite of hydrophilic, these substances repel water.
- Amphiphilic or Amphipathic: Substances that have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties.
- Lipophilic: Substances that have an affinity for lipids or fats.
- Surfactant: A substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, often by being amphiphilic.
Applications
Hydrophilic substances have a wide range of applications in various fields. In medicine, they are used in the formulation of drugs to increase their solubility in water. In biology, they play a crucial role in the structure and function of cells, as the outer layer of the cell membrane is hydrophilic. In material science, hydrophilic materials are used in the creation of water-absorbent products, such as diapers and absorbent pads.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hydrophilic
- Wikipedia's article - Hydrophilic
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