hydrotropic, a.
(haɪdrəʊˈtrɒpɪk)
[f. Gr. ὑδρο- water + -τροπος turning + -ic. Cf. heliotropic.]
1. Bot. Turning towards or under the influence of water; affected by hydrotropism.
2. Physical Chem. [f. hydrotropy.] Of, pertaining to, or produced by hydrotropy; causing a substance that is otherwise only slightly soluble in water to dissolve readily.
| 1916 Jrnl. Chem. Soc. CX. ii. 555 (heading) Hydrotropic phenomena. 1946 Industr. & Engin. Chem. Apr. 382/2 Most hydrotropic solutions precipitate the solute on dilution with water. 1954 P. A. Winsor Solvent Properties Amphiphilic Compounds v. 123 The reduction in solvent action on dilution..is very great with hydrotropic salts of lower molecular weight. |