Hydrous (adjective): Containing water molecules as an integral part of its structure or composition.
From Greek hydro-, meaning "water," combined with the suffix -ous, meaning "having the quality of."
Crystal Hydrates: Water molecules are incorporated into the crystal lattice during formation.
Stability: Water molecules can affect the stability, solubility, and reactivity of compounds.
Identification: Often distinguished from anhydrous forms by color, density, or thermal properties.
Formation: Created through weathering processes, hydrothermal activity, or metamorphism.
Common Types: Clay minerals, zeolites, and many secondary minerals are hydrous.
Environmental Indicators: Presence indicates past or present water activity in geological environments.
Hydrogels: Cross-linked polymer networks that can absorb large amounts of water.
Applications: Contact lenses, wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering.
Properties: Biocompatibility, flexibility, and controlled permeability make them valuable materials.
Bioavailability: Water content can affect how quickly and completely a drug is absorbed.
Stability: Some drugs are more stable in hydrous form, while others degrade faster.
Regulatory: Different hydrous forms are considered separate pharmaceutical entities requiring individual approval.
Properties: Soft mineral (hardness 2 on Mohs scale), often forms large, clear crystals.
Uses: Construction material (drywall), soil amendment, and cement production.
Formation: Precipitates from evaporating seawater or forms in sedimentary environments.
Function: Acts as a coagulant and adsorbent to remove impurities from water.
Mechanism: Large surface area and positive charge attract negatively charged contaminants.
Applications: Municipal water treatment, industrial wastewater processing, and pool maintenance.
Composition: Typically contains 5-10% water, compared to anhydrous ethanol (99.5%+ pure).
Production: Standard distillation produces hydrous ethanol; further processing removes remaining water.
Uses: Beverage production, some fuel applications, and as a solvent where water content is acceptable.