Definition of Hydrophobic



The term hydrophobic is used in the field of chemistry and is a physical property of molecules. The molecules are said to be hydrophobic if they are water-repelling in nature. This repulsion takes place just because of the lack of attraction between water and molecule. Hydrophobic molecules are said to be non-polar and hence are only soluble in non-polar solvents. But they can be made solubilized in water by the process of micellization in which they cluster together and form micelles.

 


Examples of Hydrophobic Molecules:

Include oil, waxes, steroids, alkanes, fats, etc. the hydrophobic materials can be employed in several processes like in the removal of oil from water, in managing oil spills, etc.


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