2006-10-21 09:21:08 · 16 answers · asked by shafkhat h 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
it means the molecule "fears" water and will not dissolve in water.
as opposed to hydrophilic which will dissolve in water
2006-10-21 09:22:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hydrophobe (from the Greek (hydros) "water" and (phobos) "fear") in chemistry refers to the physical property of a molecule that is repelled from a mass of water.
Hydrophobic molecules tend to be nonpolar and thus prefer other neutral molecules and nonpolar solvents. Hydrophobic molecules in water often cluster together. Water on hydrophobic surfaces will exhibit a high contact angle.
Examples of hydrophobic molecules include the alkanes, oils, fats, and greasy substances in general. Hydrophobic materials are used for oil removal from water, the management of oil spills, and chemical separation processes to remove non-polar from polar compounds.
Hydrophobic is often used interchangeably with "lipophilic". However, the two terms are not synonymous. While hydrophobic substances are usually lipophilic, there are exceptions — the silicones, for instance.
You could get more information from the link below...
2006-10-21 22:10:22 · answer #2 · answered by catzpaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrophobe (from the Greek (hydros) "water" and (phobos) "fear") in chemistry refers to the physical property of a molecule that is repelled from a mass of water.
Hydrophobic molecules tend to be nonpolar and thus prefer other neutral molecules and nonpolar solvents. Hydrophobic molecules in water often cluster together. Water on hydrophobic surfaces will exhibit a high contact angle.
Examples of hydrophobic molecules include the alkanes, oils, fats, and greasy substances in general. Hydrophobic materials are used for oil removal from water, the management of oil spills, and chemical separation processes to remove non-polar from polar compounds.
Hydrophobic is often used interchangeably with "lipophilic". However, the two terms are not synonymous. While hydrophobic substances are usually lipophilic, there are exceptions — the silicones, for instance.
2006-10-21 09:30:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Literally, fear of water. In chemistry or physics one will use this term to refer to a material that:
1. is not miscible with water
2. the material is not very well wetted
3. it is difficult to pass water through hydrophobic capillary material.
2006-10-21 09:30:38 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water fearing.
2006-10-21 09:36:22 · answer #5 · answered by hphgrwd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Abnormal fear of water. The aversion to water that some rabid animals have has made hydrophobia synonymous with rabies.
2006-10-21 09:25:08 · answer #6 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means 'fear' of water. In chemistry terms, it simply means that the molecule is non-polar and cannot dissolve in water.
2006-10-21 14:02:49 · answer #7 · answered by Adrian W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scared of water
2006-10-21 09:29:22 · answer #8 · answered by Jane_doe 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fear of water. In chemistry, something that will repel water or resist dissolving
2006-10-21 09:23:48 · answer #9 · answered by DonSoze 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Having little or no affinity for water. God Luck
2006-10-21 09:23:42 · answer #10 · answered by Wood77 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋