anhydrous

Anhydrous it's a adjective that is used in the field of chemistry to qualify for substance lacking water. The term comes from the Greek word anydros which, precisely, translates as "That has no water".

In some cases, the anhydrous element never has Water in its structure. However, sometimes a substance has water and then loses it, thereby becoming anhydrous.

To make a solvent anhydrous, it is usual to make it enter boiling next to a hygroscopic substance (that is, capable of absorbing moisture). Another possibility is to use a molecular sieve.

When the presence of water affects the development of a desired compound, a chemical reaction to obtain an anhydrous. Within this framework, hygroscopic materials are used that capture moisture.

The anhydrous ethyl alcohol, for example, it is produced using molecular sieves that promote clean dehydration of the ethanol. It can be used as an industrial solvent, fuel or raw material in the pharmaceutical industry and in perfumery, to name a few possibilities.

The anhydrous sodium sulfateMeanwhile, it is used in the manufacture of cellulose and as an additive in the manufacture of glass. Due to its anhydrous property, it also serves as a desiccant in different processes that are carried out in laboratories.

The anhydrous copper sulfate, on the other hand, it is a grayish powder. If it is reacted with water, copper sulfate pentahydrate is generated, which is used as an algaecide, fungicide, fertilizer and veterinary medicine.