Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Hydrophilic substances are those that readily interact with or dissolve in water due to their polarity. They typically contain polar groups such as -OH, -NH2, or -COOH.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Hydrophilic molecules often participate in hydrogen bonding with water.
Phospholipids have hydrophilic heads that face outward towards aqueous environments.
Hydrophilic compounds can include sugars, salts, and certain proteins.
The presence of hydrophilic regions is crucial for the formation of cell membranes and micelles.
Hydrophilic substances are generally soluble in water but not in nonpolar solvents.
Molecules that have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions.
Lipophilic: Substances that tend to dissolve in lipids or fats rather than water.
Micelle: An aggregate of surfactant molecules dispersed in a liquid colloid, forming a molecular assembly with a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic interior.