Hydrophilic is a term used to describe substances or materials that have an affinity for water. The word hydrophilic comes from the Greek words "hydro," meaning water, and "philos," meaning loving or attracted to. Hydrophilic substances are those that interact well with water molecules.
In the context of chemistry and biology, hydrophilic substances are often polar or have polar groups in their molecular structure. Polar molecules have an uneven distribution of charge, with one end being more positively charged and the other more negatively charged. Water is a polar molecule, with oxygen being more electronegative and attracting electrons more strongly than hydrogen.
Hydrophilic substances can dissolve or disperse in water because they can form favorable interactions with water molecules through processes like hydrogen bonding. Common examples of hydrophilic substances include salts, sugars, and some proteins. In contrast, substances that repel water and do not readily dissolve in it are termed hydrophobic. Understanding the hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature of substances is crucial in various scientific and industrial applications, such as in the design of pharmaceuticals, the development of materials for medical implants, and the formulation of skincare products.