addition of water or of the elements of water (i.e. H and OH) to a molecular entity. For example, hydration of ethene:
H02876-1.png
The term is also used in a more restricted sense for the process:
H02876-2.png
Note:
Compare the use of the term in inorganic/physical chemistry to describe the state of the ions of an electrolyte in aqueous solution.
See also: aquation, solvation
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1122 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)