Hydrotropy

Under Hydrotropy is meant to increase the water solubility of poorly soluble organic compounds . A second component is added to the sparingly soluble substance, which is not a solvent itself . The mechanisms of action of these solubilizers are different.

For one form surfactants with the sparingly soluble substances association colloid in the form of micelles , other substances such as urea or N -Methylacetamid breaking the structure of water to the hydrophobic sites of the solute. A third possibility is the formation of mixed crystals .

The solutions of these hydrotropes can be used as a substitute for organic solvents during extraction , since the aqueous solutions are no longer flammable and non-toxic. The solutions are otherwise used in the manufacture of azo dyes , liquid detergents and cosmetics .

source

• Entry on hydrotropy. In: Römpp Online . Georg Thieme Verlag, accessed on July 14, 2016.