What does hydrolyzable mean?
Hydrolyzable refers to a substance that can be broken down by water, typically through an enzymatic reaction. This term is commonly used in chemistry to describe compounds that can undergo hydrolysis, a chemical reaction in which a molecule is cleaved into two parts using water. Hydrolyzable compounds are often found in biological systems, where enzymes play a crucial role in their breakdown. Understanding the hydrolyzable properties of a substance is essential in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and materials science. The term hydrolyzable is often used interchangeably with decomposable or breakable, but it specifically refers to the ability of a substance to undergo hydrolysis. In summary, hydrolyzable is a term used to describe substances that can be broken down by water, and it is an essential concept in chemistry and related fields.
adjectiveCapable of being hydrolyzed; able to undergo a chemical reaction in which a molecule is cleaved into two parts using water.
- Capable of being hydrolyzed; able to undergo a chemical reaction in which a molecule is cleaved into two parts using water.
"The hydrolyzable compounds in the soil were broken down by the enzymes in the microorganisms."
"The hydrolyzable compounds in the soil were broken down by the enzymes in the microorganisms."
"The researchers studied the hydrolyzable properties of the new polymer."
The plural form hydrolyzables is used to describe multiple substances that can be broken down by water.
"The researchers studied the hydrolyzable properties of the new polymer and its hydrolyzables."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hydrolyzable
The term hydrolyzable originated from the Greek words 'hydor' (water) and 'lysis' (cleavage). It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the ability of certain compounds to undergo hydrolysis. The term has since been widely adopted in chemistry and related fields to describe substances that can be broken down by water.
How hydrolyzable is actually used
In chemistry, hydrolyzable refers to a substance that can be broken down by water. This term is often used in the context of enzymatic reactions and chemical synthesis.