Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Hygroscopic and Deliquescent?

Guilherme Mazui

•2 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Hygroscopic and Deliquescent?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between hygroscopic and deliquescent substances lies in the way they absorb water from the surrounding environment:

  • Hygroscopic substances:
  • Attract and absorb water molecules from the air.
  • Do not dissolve in water, but become clumpy or cakey upon absorption.
  • Examples include sugar and certain salts.
  • Deliquescent substances:
  • Dissolve in water to form a liquid due to the absorption of water molecules.
  • Absorb water vapor until they reach a saturated solution, at which point the vapor pressure of the solution formed is less compared to the vapor pressure of the surrounding environment.
  • Examples include NaOH, KOH, MgCl2, CaCl2, FeCl3, LiCl, Cu(NO3)2, NaNO3, and LiNO3.

In summary, hygroscopic substances attract and absorb water but do not form a solution, while deliquescent substances absorb water to such an extent that they dissolve and form a solution.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Hygroscopic and Deliquescent?
  • Comparative Table: Hygroscopic vs Deliquescent

    • Comparative Table: Hygroscopic vs Deliquescent

    The main difference between hygroscopic and deliquescent substances lies in the extent to which they absorb moisture from the air. Here is a comparison table highlighting their differences:

    Property Hygroscopic Deliquescent
    Moisture Absorption Absorbs moisture from the air but does not dissolve in it. Absorbs moisture from the air and dissolves in it, forming a liquid.
    Definitions Hygroscopic materials tend to absorb moisture or more precisely water vapour from the environment. Deliquescent substances are solids that tend to absorb moisture from the air and dissolve it.
    Examples Nitrates, sulfates, and some salts are examples of deliquescent substances. Sugar, salt, and other hygroscopic foods are examples of hygroscopic substances.

    In summary, hygroscopic substances absorb moisture from the air but do not dissolve in it, while deliquescent substances absorb moisture and dissolve in it, forming a liquid.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.