CHEM Q:When I think dissolve,I think of the solute dissociating to ions,but do lipids break into ions when...?

Question

they dissolve? That is, Does dissolution always mean ions or does it simply mean breaking down into smaller particles?

Answer 1

Dissolution means breaking into ions for ionic compounds and acids, but it means breaking into molecules for molecular compounds that are soluble in water.

Answer 2

Smaller particles. Molecules Lipids are (mostly) triesters of fatty acids with glycerol. Lipase enzymes mediate the breakdown of lipids into molecules of fatty acids and glycerol.