Solubility Definition and 244 Threads

Solubility is the property of a solid, liquid or gaseous chemical substance called solute to dissolve in a solid, liquid or gaseous solvent. The solubility of a substance fundamentally depends on the physical and chemical properties of the solute and solvent as well as on temperature, pressure and presence of other chemicals (including changes to the pH) of the solution. The extent of the solubility of a substance in a specific solvent is measured as the saturation concentration, where adding more solute does not increase the concentration of the solution and begins to precipitate the excess amount of solute.
Insolubility is the inability to dissolve in a solid, liquid or gaseous solvent.
Most often, the solvent is a liquid, which can be a pure substance or a mixture. One may also speak of solid solution, but rarely of solution in a gas (see vapor–liquid equilibrium instead).
Under certain conditions, the equilibrium solubility can be exceeded to give a so-called supersaturated solution, which is metastable. Metastability of crystals can also lead to apparent differences in the amount of a chemical that dissolves depending on its crystalline form or particle size. A supersaturated solution generally crystallises when 'seed' crystals are introduced and rapid equilibration occurs. Phenylsalicylate is one such simple observable substance when fully melted and then cooled below its fusion point.
Solubility is not to be confused with the ability to dissolve a substance, because the solution might also occur because of a chemical reaction. For example, zinc dissolves (with effervescence) in hydrochloric acid as a result of a chemical reaction releasing hydrogen gas in a displacement reaction. The zinc ions are soluble in the acid.
The solubility of a substance is an entirely different property from the rate of solution, which is how fast it dissolves. The smaller a particle is, the faster it dissolves although there are many factors to add to this generalization.
Crucially, solubility applies to all areas of chemistry, geochemistry, inorganic, physical, organic and biochemistry. In all cases it will depend on the physical conditions (temperature, pressure and concentration) and the enthalpy and entropy directly relating to the solvents and solutes concerned. By far the most common solvent in chemistry is water which is a solvent for most ionic compounds as well as a wide range of organic substances. This is a crucial factor in acidity and alkalinity and much environmental and geochemical work.

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  1. A

    Compare the conductance of an insoluble salt with soluble one

    Options (a) and (b) are facts and therefore correct. Since ionic bonds weaken with temperature, ionic mobilities should increase with temperature. Also in physics, we learnt that the resistance of every material other than conductors (i.e. semi-conductors, insulators and electrolytes decreases...
  2. G

    Dissolving caffeine in room temperature water

    Hello everyone, I have been trying to dissolve caffeine in water for a few days now. I am trying to dissolve approx. 500mg of caffeine in approx. 10ml of water, but I am encountering the problem that the solution turns into a paste. If I heat the water beforehand, the caffeine dissolves well at...
  3. T

    Solubility of Sodium nitrate and nitrite

    Hi, I wonder if anyone can share some info in regards to the reliability of the data that's available on the internet about the solubility of NaNO3 and NaNO2. Everything I've found so far seems to point towards the nitrate being slightly more soluble than the nitrite and yet, when trying to...
  4. P

    Questions about the common-ion effect

    I have two questions about the common-ion effect. Sorry if my terminology is not correct, I’ll try to be as clear as possible. My goal is to be able to understand what will happen to a solution of two compounds with a common ion, when subject to evaporation and temperature change. So, I really...
  5. realMelody

    Mass of a precipitate: solubility and Ksp in a chemical reaction

    I have a question related to solubility and Ksp in a chemical reaction. I don't want to seek answers to a specific homework problem, but I'm genuinely stuck and seeking a deeper understanding of the concept. Can someone please explain the process for determining the mass of a precipitate in a...
  6. P

    Doubt on solubility and how to predict it

    Two substances are known to be miscible when the intermolecular interactions formed between the molecules of one substance are equal to those formed between the molecules of the other substance. That said, why is benzoic acid, which is predominantly apolar, so it mainly forms London...
  7. P

    Solubility depends on polarity or on the number of hydrogen bonds?

    Does solubility depend on the polarity of the molecule or on the number of hydrogen bonds that are formed with water? For example: CF4 can form hydrogen bonds, but it's not polar. Glucose Is Polar e can form hydrogen bonds. How can I predict solubility? Thanks
  8. P

    Solubility of Salicylic Acid: Acid vs Base Form

    The intrinsic solubility of salicylic acid is 2 g / L. Suppose to put it in a buffered solution at pH = pKa = 4.76. In this situation, the total solubility increases and [acid] = [ coniugate base]. If this solubility is reached in solution, in what form does the drug precipitate? in the form of...
  9. R

    Polar and non-polar compounds and their solubility

    Hi Please can anyone explain why Naphthalene is soluble in liquid Ammonia when Naphthalene is Non-polar and Ammonia is Polar?
  10. samy4408

    Chemistry Calculating Molar Solubility of CaCO3: A Puzzling Problem

    hello , i am solving a problem about solubility and the solution seems weird to me , the problem is the following : we are asked to calculate the molar solubility of (CaCO3) with (Ks = 5*10^-9) in water and in a solution of (NaCO3) with a concentration of 0,1M, knowing that (NaCO3) is totally...
  11. Fishworks

    Can Seiryu Stone Affect Water Parameters in Aquariums?

    Hey Everyone, I just setup an aquarium with plants, and I am planning to add fish but I have some concerns. I want to have stable water parameters to minimize stress on the fishes. The potential issue here is that I used a stone called Seiryu stone. Seiryu stone contains Calcium Carbonate...
  12. il postino

    Chemistry Calculate the solubility (common ion) buffered

    Data: ## pK_{ps} , pKa_{1} , pKa_{2} ## Could you guide me to start solving? Thank you!
  13. C

    Solubility of weak acid salts of aluminum and silver

    I'm curious what weak acids will form soluble salts with aluminum, but not silver. From a solubility chart (https://www.flinnsci.com/globalassets/flinn-scientific/all-product-images-rgb-jpegs/ap6901etc.jpg?v=cc7f986a028e4adf833ea6341200add2), HCl, HBr, and HI will form soluble aluminum salts...
  14. S

    Chemistry Is this the right way to approach solubility problem?

    Is my work and the answer correct? If not, how should I approach this problem? Thank you!
  15. TytoAlba95

    Biology Solubility of protein in supernatant

    Answer: (d) My understanding: 1. At pH 6.4 i.e. less than 6.5, protonation or deprotonation will just begin (if we imagine that we are adding an acid to the protein soln), so not many protein molecules will be there in the supernatant 2. Glycerol interacts through H-bond with surface polar...
  16. K

    Doubt about calculating the solubility of lamivudine (3TC)

    Hi, I have a doubt about calculating the solubility of lamivudine (3TC). Suppose you have an excess of free base lamivudine (B) in solution. An equilibrium is generated between B in the aqueous phase and B in the solid phase, i.e. in solution and the base body. As we acidify the pH by...
  17. K

    Solubility of PbSO4: Uncovering the Mystery

    I don't quite understand this. When solving PbSO4(s) we get the equilibrium equation: PbSO4(s) <--> Pb2+ + SO42-. I know H2SO4 is a strong acid, that will dissociate completely (or almost completely), Like this: H2SO4 -> H+ + HSO4- HSO4- -> H+ + SO42-So as far as I can see, the concentration...
  18. M

    Chemistry Molar solubility lab questions

    I’m confused on how to calculate molar solubility because I don’t see what’s the difference between that and Ksp.
  19. K

    Understanding the Ionization of Salts

    Hello, I am a bit confused re. solubility calculations. Calculate the solubility of Pb(OH)2 at pH 10. Setting up the expression for Ksp: Ksp = [Pb2+][OH-]2 = 8* 10^-17 (Ksp value from SI chemical data) pOH = 14 - 10 = 4, i.e. [OH-] = 10-4. 8*10-17 = [Pb2+][OH-]2. Solving for [Pb2+] we get...
  20. S

    Gas Solubility in water - constants, and calculations

    I can measure O2, Co2, TGP, and temperature, Want to calculate the rest gases, so N2, and Ar in my water. There for i bulit up an axcel table. So i get to the point to calculate Bunsen contans on different Temperature. I have this calculation: ln(β)=exp(A1 + A2*(T/100) + A3*ln(T/100) +...
  21. J

    Determining Solubility in Acidic Solutions / Pure Water

    Homework Statement How many of the following would you NOT expect to be more soluble in acid than in pure water? FeS, CuCN, AlPO4, BaCO3, AgCl Homework Equations None necessary The Attempt at a Solution So we know that anything with OH- or anything that has the conjugate base of a weak acid...
  22. P

    Solubility of gas using Henry's law

    Homework Statement What is the solubility of an unknown gas in water at 1.0 atm if its solubility at 3.0 atm is 1.02M? Homework Equations Henry's law Sg = k*Pg The Attempt at a Solution Sg = 1.02M/3.0atm * 1.0 atm = .34 atm I'm not sure if Pg, the partial pressure of the gas, is 1.0 atm or...
  23. Z

    Carbon dioxide in liquid and gaseous phases with liquid water

    What are the differences between carbon dioxide solubility (miscibility, reaction) in liquid water when in gaseous (<38 bar) and liquid (>38 bar) phase? The temperature in my experiments is usually between 0 and 5°C. The stirring speed is around 500 rpm. Is the solubility given apart from...
  24. L

    What is the mass of potassium nitrate which crystallizes?

    Homework Statement 20g of saturated solution of potassium nitrate is cooled from 68 to 36 degree Celsius What is the mass of potassium nitrate which crystallizes? Potassium nitrate solubility per 100g of water 68 degree Celsius = 120g 38 degree Celsius = 60g Homework Equations I tried without...
  25. A

    Polarity and solubility of AgCl

    Hi everyone. I am a beginner in chemistry (introductory) so my knowledge is pretty limited when it comes to this subject. From what I have been taught, like dissolves like, meaning polar dissolves polar and non-polar dissolves non-polar. The electronegativity difference of AgCl is around 1.3...
  26. C

    Solubility of Calcium Oxalate in an Alcohol Solution?

    In searching through the literature for the solubility of calcium oxalate, I came across this post https://www.researchgate.net/post/Are_there_any_organic_inorganic_solvents_for_dissolving_Ca-oxalate I am not sure where the people answering this question have gotten the information that calcium...
  27. T

    How to Calculate Li+ Ion Concentration in Saturated Li3PO4 Solution?

    Homework Statement Lithium phosphate, Li3PO4, has a solubility product Ksp = 2.37 × 10-4. What is the concentration of Li+ ions in a saturated solution of Li3PO4? The Attempt at a Solution What is the initial concentration of Lithium? Or does it matter? I got 0.163 M but answer says 0.0544 M...
  28. gracy

    Doubts regarding solubility product problem

    As I am also attaching solution along with the problem there is no point in posting this thread in homework forums . In the following question (solution is also there) https://s29.postimg.org/omlnt73lz/IMG_20170407_090748.jpg https://s18.postimg.org/hsuxm5uvt/IMG_20170407_090805.jpg why are we...
  29. B

    Help please with this precipitation exercise

    Knowing Ks=6⋅10−38 for Fe(OH)3 in neutral solutions, calculate the minimum pH of an acidic solution in order to completely dissolve 10 mg of Fe(OH)3. Data: Volume = 0.1 L. I set out the equation for the equilibrium constant. having first calculated the concentration or iron ions (9.35899*10-4...
  30. P

    Solubility-Pressure graph of Ammonia

    I have searched to find out how the solubility of Ammonia changes with pressure, but haven't been able to find out. Though data about solubility change with temperature is available. One have told me that solubility of Ammonia varies little with pressure. But, I want to be assured about that...
  31. GabrieleCitossi

    B Solubility of Gases: Questions & Answers

    Hello. How are you my friends? Is there a gas that is completely not soluble in a liquid ? Thank you
  32. Z

    Calculating the Ksp of Calcium hydroxide at room temp

    Homework Statement I conducted a titration experiment in which 0.1g of KHP was dissolved in 50mL of distilled water and placed in an Erlenmeyer flask. I filtered a Ca(OH)2 solution (that was left out open on the lab benches for us to use) and put that into the burette and titrated. Ultimately...
  33. Kaneki123

    Effect of Temperature on Solubility

    Solubility of some some solids decrease with increase in temperature...There is an exothermic reaction so a lot of heat is produced in the solution...My question is that why does solubility decrease?...Any increase in temperature (the heat we provide) should just excite the molecules more and...
  34. R

    Solubility of tartaric acid/sodium tartrate in high vs low pH

    Homework Statement So we did a lab in organic chemistry where we did a resolution experiment for enantiomers and in the separatory funnel we had sodium tartrate/tartaric acid left in the aqueous phase of the funnel. It asks why this compound is more soluble in high ph solutions as compared to...
  35. KarolinaPL

    Silver Salt Solubility: RCOOAg Solubility

    What is the solubility of silver salt of the formula RCOOAg (RCOO=phenylbutyrate, DMF, MeOH, water?)
  36. Kaneki123

    Solubility of Non polar substances in water

    Water can dissolve O2 and CO2, both of which are non-polar...According to my understanding, water can only dissolve molecules which have polarity in their structure( like salt or sugar)...Oxygen gas is non-polar due to same atoms...I am not sure about CO2 but I think it is non-polar due to equal...
  37. B

    Prediction of Solubility using Organic solvents

    Whenever I have a stain (paint, glue etc), I attempt removing it after the following scheme (if unsuccessful, I proceed to the next solvent): Water, soapy water, alcohol, white spirit, acetone. My question is... Is it possible to chemically PREDICT which solvent will be succesqsful on which...
  38. M

    How Accurate Is the Saturation Index Calculation With Excess Calcium?

    I have a question about calculating solubilities of sparingly soluble salts. Eg Ksp CaF2 = 4 x 10-11 So, Saturation Index of CaF2 is: SICaF2 = IP / Ksp Where IP = Ionic Product = [Ca2+] x [F-]2 [Ca2+] and [F-] are molar concentrations of each ion. Example: We have 400 ppm Ca and 12 ppm...
  39. A

    Correct solubility product value

    Hi, For school we are currently working with heterogeneous equilibria. I am given a salt that will be solved in water and I have to calculate the concentrations of the ions. I have to use the solubility product for this. In the Netherlands we are provided with a reference book that has all...
  40. J

    KOH Solubility: Negative Heat of Solution Explained

    This is a quick question. My textbook lists the heat of solution of KOH as a negative number, and thus the solubility of KOH decreases as temperature is raised. Word for word, my book says "Negative heat of solution: The solute solubility decreases with rising solution temperature". But this...
  41. P

    Effect of Solutes on Solution Solubility: Acetone Evaporator

    Does the amount of one solute in a solution effect the maximum quantity of another solute that can be dissolved ino that solution, or the rate of dissolution? To provide context: I'm thinking of making an acetone evaporator for thermal management purposes. I'm wondering if the humidity of the...
  42. Karan Punjabi

    Solubility of CS2: Temperature Effects

    The picture here is the solubility of CS2 as per the variation of temperature . As per my knowledge when we increase the temperature the ionic product of water increases i.e H+ and OH- ions increases so due to this the ion induced dipole interaction must increase hence the solubility must...
  43. RoboNerd

    Dissociation vs Solubility: Are They Interchangeable Terms?

    Homework Statement Hello all! Say I have an ion XY. I dissolve it in a solution. What is the difference between its dissociation or solubility, or are they the same? Seems my ap chem review book is using these two terms interchangeably and I am just plain confused. Thanks Homework Equations...
  44. Serena

    Where Can I Find Reliable Solubility Data for Various Mixtures and Temperatures?

    HI, Do you have any suggestion for a good solubility database? I tried IUPAC-NIST but I can't find the data I need there (water-toluene, water-hexane, water-MEK mixtures at 40°C). I am also looking for the densities of the pure solvents at 40°C. Thank you
  45. vetgirl1990

    Why is methyl red soluble in water AND ether?

    I just had an extraction lab, and am confused how methyl red is soluble in both water and ether. My prediction was that methyl red would be only soluble in ether, but it actually dissolved into both layers. Looking at it's structure, it has a carboxylic group on one end, attached to a chain...
  46. A

    TiO2 Dispersion in Water: Challenges and Solutions

    Hello fellow scientists.I am currently doing a project that requires me to make a stock solution of titanium dioxide which i will use to make different concentrations and measure absorbance and then plot a calibration curve which will be used to determine the concentration of Ti02 in an unknown...
  47. S

    Solubility in g/L of zinc hydroxide with pH of 8

    Homework Statement Zinc hydroxide has the chemical formula of Zn(OH)2. It has a very low solubility. What is the solubility in g/L of Zinc Hydroxide in a solution with a pH of 8? Homework Equations zinc hydroxide formula 14-pH = pOH[/B]The Attempt at a Solution 10^-6 (the pOH) gives me the...
  48. T

    What gases are not able to be collected over water due to their solubility?

    Homework Statement In a proper laboratory setup for collecting a gas by water displacement, which of these gases could NOT be collected over H2O because of its solubility? A. CO2 B. NO C. O2 D. NH3 E. CH4 Homework Equations - The Attempt at a Solution I know E is definitely wrong because its...
  49. B

    Solubility in water -- High school chemistry

    Q1. Why do simple molecular substances tend to be insoluble in water? Q2. Molecular substances are often soluble in organic solvents. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution [/B] A1. Water molecules have strong intermolecular attractions between them. In order for a substance to...
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