Difference between revisions of "Hydrophobic"
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This is caused by the polarity of water molecules due to the electron affinity of the oxygen atom. Hydrophobic molecules tend to be neutral and non polar, and avoid contact with polar molecules, like water. If immersed in water, hydrophobic molecules will clump together to decrease the total surface area that is in contact with the water. | This is caused by the polarity of water molecules due to the electron affinity of the oxygen atom. Hydrophobic molecules tend to be neutral and non polar, and avoid contact with polar molecules, like water. If immersed in water, hydrophobic molecules will clump together to decrease the total surface area that is in contact with the water. | ||
| − | Prominent examples of hydrophobic molecules are oils and fats, these are in addition to | + | Prominent examples of hydrophobic molecules are oils and fats, these are in addition to alkanes. Any greasy substance usually will also be hydrophobic. |
[[Category:Chemistry]] | [[Category:Chemistry]] | ||
Revision as of 13:48, May 9, 2007
Lacking any affinity or attraction to water. The ability to repel water from one's molecular structure.
This is caused by the polarity of water molecules due to the electron affinity of the oxygen atom. Hydrophobic molecules tend to be neutral and non polar, and avoid contact with polar molecules, like water. If immersed in water, hydrophobic molecules will clump together to decrease the total surface area that is in contact with the water.
Prominent examples of hydrophobic molecules are oils and fats, these are in addition to alkanes. Any greasy substance usually will also be hydrophobic.