AllChemicals — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/606-non-electrolyte
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Quick Reference
Also Known As
Non-ionic compound, molecular compound (in solution context), non-ionising solute
What is Non-Electrolyte?
A substance that does not conduct electricity when dissolved in water because it does not dissociate into ions. Non-electrolytes dissolve as intact molecules. Examples include glucose, sucrose, ethanol, and urea. They do affect colligative properties despite not forming ions.
Properties & Characteristics
A non-electrolyte is a substance that does not produce ions when dissolved in water, and therefore its solutions do not conduct electricity (or conduct very poorly). Non-electrolytes are typically molecular covalent compounds that dissolve by dispersion among solvent molecules without ionisation. Examples: glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), sucrose, ethanol, glycerol, urea. Non-electrolyte solutions still exhibit colligative properties (with van't Hoff factor i = 1).
Uses & Applications
Non-electrolytes are used as: solvents (ethanol, acetone), food and pharmaceutical excipients (glucose, sucrose, glycerol), cryo-protectants (glycerol, DMSO for cell freezing), osmotic pressure agents (sucrose in osmometry), and in colligative property measurements (non-electrolytes have i = 1, simplifying calculations).
Safety Information
Non-electrolyte hazards depend entirely on the compound: ethanol (flammable, narcotic), methanol (acutely toxic), acetone (flammable, irritant), benzene (carcinogen, flammable). The absence of ionisation does not confer safety. Always assess each non-electrolyte compound individually using its SDS.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
SynonymsNon-ionic compound, molecular compound (in solution context), non-ionising solute
Frequently Asked Questions
A substance that does not conduct electricity when dissolved in water because it does not dissociate into ions. Non-electrolytes dissolve as intact molecules. Examples include glucose, sucrose, ethanol, and urea. They do affect colligative properties despite not forming ions.
Non-electrolytes are used as: solvents (ethanol, acetone), food and pharmaceutical excipients (glucose, sucrose, glycerol), cryo-protectants (glycerol, DMSO for cell freezing), osmotic pressure agents (sucrose in osmometry), and in colligative property measurements (non-electrolytes have i = 1, simp…
Non-electrolyte hazards depend entirely on the compound: ethanol (flammable, narcotic), methanol (acutely toxic), acetone (flammable, irritant), benzene (carcinogen, flammable). The absence of ionisation does not confer safety. Always assess each non-electrolyte compound individually using its SDS.
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature,
CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA,
and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified
professionals before handling chemicals.
