Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Water (H 2 O) is a polar inorganic compound that is at room temperature a tasteless and odorless liquid, which is nearly colorless apart from an inherent hint of blue.It is by far the most studied chemical compound [20] and is described as the "universal solvent" [21] and the "solvent of life". [22]
Universal solvent may refer to: Water, described as the "universal solvent" for its ability to dissolve many substances; Alkahest, a hypothetical solvent able to ...
Water is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula H 2 O.It is a transparent, tasteless, odorless, [c] and nearly colorless chemical substance.It is the main constituent of Earth's hydrosphere and the fluids of all known living organisms (in which it acts as a solvent [20]).
A solvent is usually a liquid but can also be a solid, a gas, or a supercritical fluid. Water is a solvent for polar molecules, and the most common solvent used by living things; all the ions and proteins in a cell are dissolved in water within the cell. Major uses of solvents are in paints, paint removers, inks, and dry cleaning. [2]
In modern times, water is sometimes called the universal solvent, because it can dissolve a large variety of substances; more than any other liquid. [14] This is due to its chemical polarity and amphoterism. [citation needed] The old remark "spit is the universal solvent" satirizes the idea. [15]
Alkahest – universal solvent. Azoth – initially this referred to a supposed universal solvent but later became another name for Mercury. Bitumen – highly viscous liquid or semi-solid form of petroleum. Blende; Brimstone – sulfur; Flowers of sulfur – formed by distilling sulfur.
In the table above, it can be seen that water is the most polar-solvent, followed by DMSO, and then acetonitrile. Consider the following acid dissociation equilibrium: HA ⇌ A − + H + Water, being the most polar-solvent listed above, stabilizes the ionized species to a greater extent than does DMSO or Acetonitrile.
The following compounds are liquid at room temperature and are completely miscible with water; they are often used as solvents. Many of them are hygroscopic . Organic compounds