What is the Difference Between Dissociation and Solvation?

Dissociation and solvation are two different processes that occur when substances dissolve in a solvent. Here are the key differences between the two:

Dissociation:

• Dissociation refers to the breakdown of a compound into smaller particles, such as atoms or ions, which make up the compound.
• It involves the breakdown of a large substance into smaller pieces due to external factors such as intermolecular interactions, heat, and dissolution.
• For example, the chemical bonds of maltose are broken down by maltase enzymes, resulting in glucose units, which make up maltose.

Solvation:

• Solvation refers to the dissolution of a substance in a particular solvent due to the attraction forces between molecules or ions of a substance and the solvent.
• It involves the dissolution of a substance in a solvent, with the solvent particles surrounding and separating the solute particles in a process called dissolution.
• The interaction between the solute particles and the solvent molecules is known as solvation.
• For example, when sodium chloride (NaCl) dissolves in water, it breaks down into sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻), which become surrounded by a solvation shell of water molecules.

In summary, dissociation is the process by which a compound breaks down into smaller particles, while solvation is the process by which a substance dissolves in a solvent and forms an attraction with the solvent molecules.

Comparative Table: Dissociation vs Solvation

Here is a table comparing the differences between dissociation and solvation:

In summary, dissociation is the process of breaking down a compound into smaller particles, such as atoms or ions, while solvation is the process of dissolving a substance in a solvent due to the attraction forces between the molecules or ions of the solute and the solvent.