Dissociation (chemistry)

Dissociation is the separation of a compound into smaller particles, such as ions or molecules. It can occur in solution or during other transformations.

Dissociation constant: An equilibrium constant that quantifies the extent to which a species dissociates into products. It expresses how far a reversible dissociation proceeds under specified conditions.
Chemical bond: An attractive interaction that holds atoms or ions together in a chemical structure. Dissociation separates particles that were associated through chemical bonds or ionic interactions.
Acid dissociation constant: The equilibrium constant for an acid transferring a proton to a solvent or base. It measures the proton-releasing dissociation that defines acid strength in solution.
Homolytic cleavage: The breaking of a covalent bond so that each atom retains one bonding electron. It is a specific bond-breaking pathway that yields radicals, unlike ionic dissociation.
Chemical equilibrium: A state in which forward and reverse reactions proceed at equal rates, keeping concentrations constant. Reversible dissociation often settles into an equilibrium mixture rather than going to completion.
Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge from losing or gaining electrons. Many dissociation processes produce charged particles rather than neutral fragments.
Base dissociation constant: The equilibrium constant for a base accepting a proton from a solvent or another acid. It quantifies the proton-accepting equilibrium of bases in solution.
Heterolytic cleavage: The breaking of a covalent bond so that one atom takes both bonding electrons. It describes a bond-cleavage mechanism, often producing ions, rather than an equilibrium category.
Solvation: The process by which solvent molecules surround and interact with dissolved particles. Solvent stabilization can make separated ions more favorable than an intact compound.
Electrolyte: A substance that produces mobile ions when dissolved or molten and thereby conducts electricity. Its conductivity depends on how much it forms ions through dissociation or ionization.

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