Question

What do we call salts that contain molecules of water bonded in their crystal lattices?

Short answer

The salts are called hydrates.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

First, let's understand the key elements of the question. We need to identify what type of chemical compounds are being referenced. We know that salts are ionic compounds, and in this case, they have water molecules incorporated into their structure.

Identifying the Term

The specific term used to describe salts that include water molecules within their crystal lattice is crucial. Such salts are not just composed of the salt compound itself, but have water molecules integrated into their crystalline structure.

Conclusion of Identification

The specific name for these salts is 'hydrates.' Hydrates have a fixed number of water molecules in their structure, which is referred to as 'water of crystallization'.

Key concepts

Crystal Lattice

The crystal lattice is like a solid framework that provides order and stability to a crystalline substance. Imagine a beautifully organized box with lots of tiny compartments. Each compartment fits perfectly into the next, forming a neat and repetitive pattern. Similarly, the crystal lattice is a structured arrangement in which the ions, atoms, or molecules are symmetrically organized. This arrangement is crucial for many substances, including salts and hydrates, because it enables them to maintain their shape and stability. In the context of hydrates, the crystal lattice doesn't just contain the ionic compounds themselves, but also incorporates molecules of water. This integration gives the crystal lattice additional stability and impacts the properties of the substance. Here’s how it influences hydrates:

• Encapsulates water molecules securely within the lattice structure, integral to the compound.
• Enhances the physical properties like color and solubility of the salt.
• Contributes to the mineral's shape and structure, forming varied geometries.

A crystal lattice, therefore, is not just about regularity and repetition. It's a pivotal structure that holds the compound's "extras," like water molecules, in place, playing a critical role in forming hydrates.

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are the backbone of many chemical substances. They are formed by the process of ionic bonding, where a metal and a non-metal exchange electrons becoming positively and negatively charged, respectively. The positive ion, or cation, and the negative ion, or anion, are held together by the strong electrostatic forces of attraction in a lattice structure. These compounds are vital not only because of their strong bonds but because they lead to the creation of crystalline solids, such as salts and hydrates. In a hydrate, the ionic nature of the compound allows water molecules to be integrated into the crystal lattice without disrupting the integrity of the overall structure. Some important characteristics of ionic compounds include:

• High melting and boiling points due to strong bonds.
• Electrical conductivity when dissolved in water or melted because ions are free to move.
• Typically form crystalline solids with definite shapes.

Ionic compounds, foundational in chemistry, provide the structured environment necessary for water molecules to lodge themselves in and thus form hydrates.

Water of Crystallization

Water of crystallization refers to the water molecules that are integrated within the crystal lattice of a hydrate. These water molecules are not simply "wetting" the surface of the salt; they are bonded into the crystal structure itself. This integral positioning is what makes hydrates distinct from other types of salts. The presence of water of crystallization in a salt can profoundly impact its physical properties. Here’s how:

• Influences the appearance, often giving the salt a distinct color.
• Affects the compound's density and solubility.
• Determines the thermal stability, as losing this water often alters the substance's structure, known as dehydration.

Understanding water of crystallization is crucial because it highlights how the simple addition of water molecules changes the entire nature of a compound. In a way, the water of crystallization acts as a "glue," holding together the intricate structure of a hydrate.