Hydrolysis — Definition, Formula, Properties & Uses | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

Q: What is the formula for Hydrolysis?

The formula or notation for Hydrolysis is: AB + H₂O → AH + BOH

Formula / Notation	AB + H₂O → AH + BOH
Also Known As	Water hydrolysis, acid/base hydrolysis, saponification (ester hydrolysis with base)

What is Hydrolysis?

A chemical reaction in which a compound is broken down by reaction with water. In acid-base chemistry, hydrolysis of salts produces acidic or basic solutions. Hydrolysis of esters, amides, and polymers reverses their formation. Enzymatic hydrolysis is important in digestion.

Formula & Notation

AB + H₂O → AH + BOH

Other Names / Synonyms: Water hydrolysis, acid/base hydrolysis, saponification (ester hydrolysis with base)

Properties & Characteristics

Hydrolysis is the chemical reaction in which water breaks a chemical bond. In inorganic chemistry: salts of weak acids or bases hydrolyse to give acidic or basic solutions (e.g., CH₃COONa + H₂O ⇌ CH₃COOH + NaOH). In organic chemistry: esters, amides, acetals, and peptides are hydrolysed by water (acid- or base-catalysed). In biochemistry: ATP hydrolysis (ATP + H₂O → ADP + Pᵢ) and protein digestion by proteases are key hydrolytic processes.

Uses & Applications

Hydrolysis is used industrially in soap making (saponification of triglycerides), production of amino acids from protein hydrolysates, starch hydrolysis to glucose (enzymatic), production of fatty acids (industrial fat splitting), and in environmental remediation (hydrolysis of organophosphate pesticides).

Safety Information

Hydrolysis of reactive halides (acyl chlorides, PCl₃, BCl₃) is violent and exothermic, producing HCl gas. Nerve agents (organophosphates) are deactivated by hydrolysis, but the intermediate products can also be toxic. Base hydrolysis of esters uses corrosive NaOH or KOH solutions.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Hydrolysis

Formula AB + H₂O → AH + BOH

Index All "H" terms

Synonyms Water hydrolysis, acid/base hydrolysis, saponification (ester hydrolysis with base)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hydrolysis?

A chemical reaction in which a compound is broken down by reaction with water. In acid-base chemistry, hydrolysis of salts produces acidic or basic solutions. Hydrolysis of esters, amides, and polymers reverses their formation. Enzymatic hydrolysis is important in digestion.

What is Hydrolysis used for?

Is Hydrolysis hazardous?

What is the formula for Hydrolysis?

More "H" Terms

Haber Process N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃ | ΔH = −92 kJ/mol Hafnium Hf Half Cell Half Life Half-Cell E = E° − (RT/nF)lnQ Half-Life A(t) = A₀e^(−λt); t½ = ln2/λ Half-Reaction Halide X⁻ (e.g., F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) Halogen F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂, At; Group 17; ns²np⁵ valence configuration Halogenation C-X + Cl₂/Br₂ (hv or AlCl₃) → C-X(halogen); EAS or radical pathway Halogens Hard Acid Hard acid: small, highly charged, low polarisability (e.g., H⁺, Mg²⁺, Al³⁺)

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