4.3 Hydrates
A hydrate is a compound that has a specific number of water molecules within its solid structure.
For example, in its normal state, copper(II) chloride has two water molecules associated with it (blue compound).
- Systematic name: copper(II) chloride dihydrate
- Formula: CuCl2 · 2H2O
When the water molecules are driven off by heating, the resulting compound, is called anhydrous. Anhydrous: containing no water molecules