The General Characteristics of Non-Aqueous Solutions

A solution is a homogeneous mixture formed of two or more substances, where one of them, the solvent, has the ability to dissolve the others. Non-aqueous refers to any solution that does not contain water as a component. Since the 1950s, the discovery and widespread use of non-aqueous solvents and solutions made possible exploring new chemical possibilities, says Kosuke Izutsu in "Electrochemistry in Non-aqueous Solutions." An extreme pH value is the only general characteristic attributed to non-aqueous solutions, in comparison to solutions containing water. Other characteristics, such as solubility and conductivity vary according to the components of each non-aqueous solution.
  1. pH

    • Non-aqueous solutions can have more extreme pH values than aqueous solutions. pH numbers relate to the quantity of hydrogen molecules contained in a substance, which reflects its acidity. The higher the number, the less acidic the substance. Water has a pH value of seven, which is considered neutral, the pH scale that goes from one to 14.

    Solubility

    • The solubility of a solution depends on the solvent used as well as on temperature and pressure. The solubility decreases with the increase of its dissolved components. When a solution becomes saturated by excessive dissolved material, its solubility is nil. Increase in temperature can cause higher solubility in most aqueous solutions, but the influence of temperature in solubility of non-aqueous solutions varies according to many factors, including concentration of the solvent used.

    Conductivity

    • Conductivity of a solution relates to its ability to conduct electricity. Conductivity values are highly dependent on the solution's concentration and type of solvent used. Conductivity can be measured through different techniques, which often include the use of graphite electrodes. The conductivity of a solution always increases with temperature, due to the higher ion mobility, which carries the electric current.

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