Insoluble

Definition

Insoluble substances are those that do not dissolve significantly in a solvent, typically water. They remain in their solid form when mixed with the solvent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Insoluble compounds often form precipitates when two solutions react and one of the products is insoluble.
2. Common examples of insoluble compounds include most carbonates, sulfides, and hydroxides.
3. The solubility rules help predict whether a compound will be soluble or insoluble in water.
4. An insoluble compound can still undergo chemical reactions, such as acid-base reactions or redox reactions.
5. Understanding the concept of insolubility is crucial for balancing chemical equations involving precipitation reactions.

Review Questions

• What happens when an insoluble compound is formed during a chemical reaction?
• Give an example of an insoluble compound and describe its characteristics.
• How do solubility rules assist in predicting the formation of precipitates?

Related terms

Precipitate:

A solid that forms from a solution during a chemical reaction and is typically an indication of an insoluble product.

Solubility Rules:

Guidelines used to predict whether a given ionic compound is soluble or insoluble in water.

Aqueous Solution: A solution in which water is the solvent, often used to discuss solubility and precipitation reactions.