Hydrates

Definition

Hydrates are compounds that include water molecules bound to their crystalline structure. Typically, the water is chemically bonded and can be released upon heating.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The notation for hydrates includes a dot between the compound and the number of water molecules, e.g., $CuSO_4 \cdot 5H_2O$.
2. Heating a hydrate can drive off the water, converting it into an anhydrous compound.
3. The number of water molecules in a hydrate is always a definite and fixed ratio.
4. Hydrates often exhibit different properties such as color compared to their anhydrous forms.
5. Naming hydrates involves stating the name of the compound followed by a prefix indicating the number of water molecules and the word 'hydrate'.

Related terms

Anhydrous: A substance that does not contain any water molecules.

Crystalline Structure: The ordered arrangement of atoms or molecules within a solid.

Chemical Formula:

A representation of a substance using symbols for its constituent elements and numbers to indicate their ratios.