What is the Difference Between Hygroscopic and Deliquescent?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between hygroscopic and deliquescent substances lies in the way they absorb water from the surrounding environment:
- Hygroscopic substances:
- Attract and absorb water molecules from the air.
- Do not dissolve in water, but become clumpy or cakey upon absorption.
- Examples include sugar and certain salts.
- Deliquescent substances:
- Dissolve in water to form a liquid due to the absorption of water molecules.
- Absorb water vapor until they reach a saturated solution, at which point the vapor pressure of the solution formed is less compared to the vapor pressure of the surrounding environment.
- Examples include NaOH, KOH, MgCl2, CaCl2, FeCl3, LiCl, Cu(NO3)2, NaNO3, and LiNO3.
In summary, hygroscopic substances attract and absorb water but do not form a solution, while deliquescent substances absorb water to such an extent that they dissolve and form a solution.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Hygroscopic and Deliquescent? Comparative Table: Hygroscopic vs Deliquescent
Comparative Table: Hygroscopic vs Deliquescent
The main difference between hygroscopic and deliquescent substances lies in the extent to which they absorb moisture from the air. Here is a comparison table highlighting their differences:
Property | Hygroscopic | Deliquescent |
---|---|---|
Moisture Absorption | Absorbs moisture from the air but does not dissolve in it. | Absorbs moisture from the air and dissolves in it, forming a liquid. |
Definitions | Hygroscopic materials tend to absorb moisture or more precisely water vapour from the environment. | Deliquescent substances are solids that tend to absorb moisture from the air and dissolve it. |
Examples | Nitrates, sulfates, and some salts are examples of deliquescent substances. | Sugar, salt, and other hygroscopic foods are examples of hygroscopic substances. |
In summary, hygroscopic substances absorb moisture from the air but do not dissolve in it, while deliquescent substances absorb moisture and dissolve in it, forming a liquid.
Read more:
- Desiccant vs Deliquescent
- Drying vs Dehydration
- Humidity vs Moisture
- Humidifier vs Dehumidifier
- Hydrolysis vs Dehydration
- Hydrometer vs Hygrometer
- Dew Point vs Humidity
- Adsorption vs Desorption
- Hydration vs Hydrolysis
- Moisture Content vs Water Content
- Hydrolysis vs Condensation
- Emollient vs Humectant
- Hydrated Salt vs Anhydrous Salt
- Curing vs Drying
- Humidity vs Relative Humidity
- Evaporation vs Condensation
- Evaporation vs Transpiration
- Dehiscent vs Indehiscent Fruits
- Diffuser vs Humidifier