Abstract:
A solution is the homogeneous mixture of two or more components dispersed at molecular
length scales. Solvent is the component of a solution that is present in the greatest amount
and can dissolve solid, liquid, or gaseous solutes depending on its chemical properties. In
particular, solvation is the association of solvent molecules around an ion or a solute.
Some common examples of the application of solvents in our daily life are in food (water),
dry cleaning (e.g. tetrachloroethylene), as paint thinners (e.g. toluene, turpentine), glue
solvents (e.g. acetone, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate), spot removers (e.g. hexane, petrol
ether), detergent (citrus terpenes), perfume (ethanol), and so on. Solvents are generally
classified as polar and non-polar, depending on the magnitude of molecular dipole moment. Polar solvents can solvate ions or polar compounds mainly through electrostatic
interactions.
