2007-01-07 12:45:38 · 2 answers · asked by sue e 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
water is known as a universal solvent and can dissolve almost anything especially salts or anything else with a hydrogen bond like sugar. It would take a lot for recrystallization to occur if you use water.
Hope this helps!!
2007-01-07 12:49:45 · answer #1 · answered by Shi Yoyo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water is composed of polar-covalent bonds and the shape of the molecule causes it to be a dipole.
Because of the bonds and shape of the water molecule, it is able to dissolve ionic and polar materials. (Salts are ionic) This gives water the title of "Universal Solvent."
Since water dissolves so many things, it would be a poor choice to use in recrystallization. The crystals would not form as well to be filtered out because the water would keep them in solution.
For recrystallization you need to find a solvent that has very little attraction for the crystals and one that would allow them to come out of solution.
2007-01-07 21:06:14 · answer #2 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋