Hydrophobicity

Hydrophobicity is a property of a substance that repels water. It is derived from the Greek words 'hydro' meaning water and 'phobos' meaning fear. Hydrophobic substances are nonpolar and, thus, prefer other neutral molecules and nonpolar solvents.

Overview

Hydrophobic molecules tend to be nonpolar and, thus, prefer other neutral molecules and nonpolar solvents. Because water molecules are polar, hydrophobes do not dissolve well among them. Hydrophobic molecules in water often cluster together, forming micelles. Water on hydrophobic surfaces will exhibit a high contact angle.

Examples of hydrophobic molecules include the alkanes, oils, fats, and greasy substances in general. Hydrophobic materials are used for oil removal from water, the management of oil spills, and chemical separation processes to remove non-polar substances from polar compounds.

Hydrophobicity in Nature

Hydrophobicity plays a crucial role in various natural phenomena. For instance, it is responsible for the separation of lipid molecules in the cell membrane, the folding of protein molecules into specific three-dimensional structures, and the ability of insects to walk on water.

Hydrophobicity in Technology

In technology, hydrophobicity is often utilized in the creation of water-repellent surfaces. These surfaces, known as superhydrophobic surfaces, have applications in various areas, including self-cleaning windows, water-resistant electronics, and anti-fouling coatings.

See Also

• Hydrophilicity
• Amphiphilicity
• Lipophilicity
• Superhydrophobic coating

References

Hydrophobicity Resources
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