Dilute solutions are mentioned everywhere in electrolyte and hydrophobicity literature. However, I have been unable to find an example of a quantitative metric that measures the point at which a salt solution (or alkaline/acid/any other solute for that matter) can be defined as dilute. (Aside from perhaps C*, the point at which polymer self-interaction is not present.)
My question is, is anybody aware of the existence of a metric that allows us to define a point at which solutions can be considered dilute?
A dilute solution can be defined as a solution where the solvent is richer than the solute, so comparing with molarity where 1 mol/L = 1 M, I would say that a dilute solution is when M < 1.
The term 'dilute' is completely arbitrary and there are no definitions of what 'dilute' actually means
Thanks to everyone for their responses.
As far as I can tell, there is no currently agreed upon definition in the literature. Paul D Jones's assessment might, unfortunately, be the case.
I would say that Sergio Valdivia Rivera's response, to me, seems to be a definition of a solution, not dilute solution. If we have a solution of salt wherein there is 40wt% ZnCl2, we would define this as an aqueous solution. However, if we have 50+% ZnCl2, it may be referred to as a molten salt hydrate if it retains its liquid character at the temperature discussed. Unless I'm missing something here. In this example a 49wt% solution would be dilute.
Usman Atique
, I have seen solutes discussed as "dilute" if they are at such a low concentration that they no longer interact with one another and can be treated as effectively isolated. It could be that this is the route by which a widely agreed definition of dilute could be established. However, in the case of electrolytes this may be different due to ionic pairing - I'll have to look further into this.Any further insight is greatly appreciated!
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Chemistry
- Sulfites
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemicals
- Salts