7 Hydrophilic Examples: Detailed Facts You Should Know!

by

Hydrophilic substances are those which react and get wetted by the water molecules. In this article, we shall discuss various examples of hydrophilic groups of matter.

  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Paper
  • Cloth
  • Sponge
  • Lithosphere
  • Latex Paint
  • Konjac flour
  • Citric acid
  • Metamucil
  • Egg albumin
  • Talc
  • Proteins
  • Keratin
  • Starch
  • Glucose
  • Cotton
  • Gelatin
  • Xanthum
  • Vegetable oil
  • Cream and ointment
  • Glycerol
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Limestone
  • Glucon-D

The hydrophilic molecules dissolve in water and hence are called water-like substances that attract water molecules and show exothermic reactions reducing Gibbs free energy. Hydrophilic matters are categorized into different types and we shall elaborately discuss and list different examples of the same further.

Hydrophilic Surfaces Examples

Hydrophilic surfaces are a hydrophilic coating that does not react with water. Let us list some examples of hydrophilic surfaces here below.

  • Lithosphere – The water is absorbed in pores present in the soil.
  • Latex Paint – the water is exerted easily by the latex paint layer and does not evaporate easily from this surface.
  • Concrete – The water is absorbed by the concrete mixture.
  • Granite layer – The water penetrates within the granite.

Hydrophilic Colloids Examples

Hydrophilic colloids are those in which an insoluble water attracting substance remains suspended in another substance. Let us list some of the examples.

  • Metamucil – It is a soluble fiber having low saturated fats.
  • Konjac flour – It is a water soluble fiber.
  • Starch – It is a water soluble colloid derived from maize.
  • Egg Albumin – It is soluble in water at RT but becomes insoluble at high temperatures.
  • Gelatin – It is a water soluble and hydrophilic protein.

Hydrophilic Emulsifier Examples

Hydrophilic emulsifiers are those emulsifying agents that rely upon water molecules. Let us discuss some examples of hydrophilic emulsifiers.

  • Xanthum – It is a food additive polysaccharide thickening agent.
  • Cream and ointment – These are hydrophilic emulsion that extracts and removes water.
  • Sodium Laurel Sulfate – It is a surfactant used in toothpaste and cleaners.
  • Soap – It consists of hydrophilic and hydrophobic end that helps to remove dirt and oil.
  • Vegetable oil – It is derived from hydrophilic protein and amino acids.
  • Glycerol – It is an emulsifying agent that helps fats to bind with water.

Hydrophilic Polymers Examples

Hydrophilic polymers are water-attractive macromolecules. Let us list some of the examples of hydrophilic polymers that we come across usually.

  • Ethylene Glycol – It is a viscous liquid used in polyester fibers.
  • Ethanol – It is a hydrophilic alcohol used as a disinfectant.
  • Glutamic Acid – It is an amino acid stored as protein in living beings.
  • Polyacrylamide – It is a hydrophilic polymer with a linear structure of hydrocarbons having one nitrogen atom.
  • Polyethyleneimine – It is used as a detergent and as a water treatment agent.
L Glutamic acid
Image Credit: L-Glutamic acid by LHcheM (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Hydrophilic Molecules Examples

There are many hydrophilic molecules that attract and dissolve with water molecules. Let us see some examples of hydrophilic molecules.

  • Calcium Carbonate – It reacts with water and produces effervescence of hydrogen gas.
  • Chalk – It absorbs water due to the composition of calcium carbonate.
  • Limestone – It absorbs water easily and dissolved when pieces of limestone are mixed in water.
  • Sodium Chloride – It is a salt that readily dissolves in water.
  • Glucon-D – It is a basic sugar that mix with water.

Hydrophilic Amino Acids

Amino acids are protein that forms a group of the structure of hydrocarbons and other groups of atoms. Let us list some examples of hydrophilic amino acids.

  • Glutamine – It is an N-rich amino acid found in green vegetables that dissolve in water.
  • Lysine – It is an amino acid found in eggs, potatoes, fish, milk products, etc.
  • Histidine – It is acquired from wheat, rice, dairy food, etc.
  • Arginine – It is an amino acid found in seafood, cereals, and dairy products.
  • Asparagine – It is also an amino acid found in seafood, dairy products, legumes, etc.
  • Threonine – It is a hydrophilic amino acid derived from poultry, fish, lentils, cheese, etc.

Conclusion

We can conclude from this article that there are various examples of hydrophilic molecules, hydrophilic surfaces, colloids, emulsifiers, polymers, and amino acids that absorb and dissolve in water. The amino acids, sugar, and proteins are hydrophilic group structures that attract water molecules.

Also Read: