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"Bound" water as solvent water
Acta Biochimica Et Biophysica; Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae
|January 1, 1979
Summary
Extraneous materials like urea and glucose can dissolve in "bound" water, challenging a common misconception in biological literature. This finding is based on experiments with saturated salt solutions.
Area of Science:
- Chemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- A persistent misconception in biological literature suggests that "bound" water cannot dissolve extraneous materials.
- This idea implies that water molecules tightly associated with ions or other structures are unavailable for solvation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the solvation capacity of "bound" water.
- To challenge the prevailing misconception regarding the insolubility of certain substances in "bound" water.
Main Methods:
- Preparing saturated solutions of sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl).
- Attempting to dissolve significant quantities of urea and glucose in these saturated salt solutions.
- Analyzing the solvation behavior of urea and glucose in the presence of "bound" water.
Main Results:
- Urea and glucose were successfully dissolved in saturated solutions of NaCl and KCl.
- A portion of water forming the ionic hydration shells was identified as "bound" water.
- This "bound" water demonstrated solvation capabilities for the tested solutes.
Conclusions:
- The misconception that "bound" water cannot dissolve extraneous materials is incorrect.
- Water molecules within hydration envelopes (considered "bound") can indeed act as solvents.
- Experimental evidence refutes the strict separation of "bound" and "free" water in terms of solvation capacity.