Hygroscopic vs. Deliquescent — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 1, 2023
Hygroscopic substances absorb moisture from the air, while deliquescent substances absorb enough moisture to dissolve and form a solution.
Difference Between Hygroscopic and Deliquescent
Table of Contents
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Absorbs moisture from the air
Absorbs moisture and dissolves into it
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Usage
Common in industries requiring moisture regulation
Observed in chemicals that readily dissolve upon moisture contact
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Relation to Humidity
Affected by humidity but does not always dissolve
Can dissolve in high humidity
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Extent of Absorption
Absorbs moisture to a certain extent
Absorbs moisture until dissolution
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Definitions
Hygroscopic
Retains water from the surrounding environment.
Wood is hygroscopic, which can lead to expansion and contraction.
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Deliquescent
Absorbs moisture until it dissolves.
Certain salts are deliquescent and can turn into a puddle in high humidity.
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Hygroscopic
Pertains to moisture absorption.
Silica gel is hygroscopic and is used to keep products dry.
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Deliquescent
Transforms from solid to liquid due to moisture.
The deliquescent nature of some substances can complicate their storage.
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Hygroscopic
Relates to the affinity for water.
Certain chemicals are hygroscopic and need special storage conditions.
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Deliquescent
Dissolves upon absorbing atmospheric water vapor.
It's surprising how a deliquescent crystal can vanish into a solution.
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Hygroscopic
Can attract and hold water molecules.
Salt is hygroscopic and can clump together in humid conditions.
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Deliquescent
Has an extreme reaction to environmental moisture.
A deliquescent compound might be found as a liquid in a humid environment.
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Hygroscopic
Prevents desiccation in certain environments.
Hygroscopic substances can extend the shelf life of food items.
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Hygroscopic
Readily taking up and retaining water, especially from the atmosphere.
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Deliquescent
(Chemistry) To dissolve and become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air.
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Hygroscopic
Of or pertaining to, or indicated by, the hygroscope; not readily manifest to the senses, but capable of detection by the hygroscope; as, glass is often covered with a film of hygroscopic moisture.
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Deliquescent
To become fluid or soft on maturing, as certain fungal structures.
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Hygroscopic
Having the property of readily inbibing moisture from the atmosphere, or of the becoming coated with a thin film of moisture, as glass, etc.
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Deliquescent
To branch out into numerous subdivisions that lack a main axis, as the trunk of an elm.
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Deliquescent
(chemistry) Absorbing moisture from the air and forming a solution.
Deliquescent salts
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Deliquescent
(botany) Branching so that the stem is lost in branches, as in most deciduous trees.
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Deliquescent
Dissolving; liquefying by contact with the air; capable of attracting moisture from the atmosphere and becoming liquid; as, deliquescent salts.
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Deliquescent
Branching so that the stem is lost in branches, as in most deciduous trees.
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Deliquescent
(especially of certain salts) becoming liquid by absorbing moisture from the air
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Deliquescent
Pertains to the dissolution due to water absorption.
In the lab, deliquescent samples require tightly sealed containers.
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FAQs
What does it mean if a substance is hygroscopic?
A hygroscopic substance can absorb and retain moisture from the air.
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Can deliquescent substances revert back to solids?
If the absorbed moisture is removed or evaporates, deliquescent substances can return to a solid state.
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How do deliquescent substances react to humidity?
Deliquescent substances can absorb so much moisture from the air that they dissolve and form a solution.
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Why is understanding hygroscopic properties important in industries?
Hygroscopic properties are crucial in industries like pharmaceuticals to ensure products stay dry and maintain their efficacy.
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How can one protect hygroscopic substances from moisture?
Using desiccants, sealed containers, and controlled environments can protect hygroscopic substances from moisture.
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Are all salts deliquescent?
No, not all salts are deliquescent, but many have the ability to absorb moisture to some extent.
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Is the opposite of hygroscopic "hydrophobic"?
No, hydrophobic means water-repelling. The opposite of hygroscopic is anhydrous, which lacks water.
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Can we predict if a substance is deliquescent by its appearance?
No, the appearance doesn't always indicate deliquescence; it's based on the substance's chemical properties.
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Can a substance be both hygroscopic and deliquescent?
Yes, if a substance is deliquescent, it's also hygroscopic, but not all hygroscopic substances are deliquescent.
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Can atmospheric conditions impact the extent of deliquescence?
Yes, higher humidity can accelerate the process of deliquescence in susceptible materials.
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Do deliquescent substances always turn into a solution?
Deliquescent substances will form a solution when they absorb enough moisture, but the amount required can vary.
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Why might one encounter clumping in hygroscopic materials?
Clumping can occur when hygroscopic materials absorb moisture, leading the particles to stick together.
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Is there any risk associated with handling deliquescent substances?
Yes, depending on the substance, it can be corrosive or harmful when it becomes a solution.
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Do all hygroscopic materials have the same affinity for water?
No, the degree to which hygroscopic materials absorb water can vary significantly based on their composition and environment.
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Which is a stronger characteristic, hygroscopic or deliquescent?
Deliquescent is a stronger characteristic as it involves dissolution due to moisture absorption.
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Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
