Condensation vs. Hydrolysis — What's the Difference?

Condensation is the combination of two smaller molecules to form a larger one.

Hydrolysis is common in digestive processes.

Condensation is common in organic synthesis.

Hydrolysis often involves the addition of hydrogen and hydroxide ions.

Condensation often releases a small molecule like water as a byproduct.

Hydrolysis usually releases energy.

Condensation can be an endergonic reaction requiring energy.

Hydrolysis can break covalent bonds.

Condensation is crucial in biological systems.

Hydrolysis is the breakdown of a larger molecule into smaller parts using water.

Condensation is the change of the physical state of matter from the gas phase into the liquid phase, and is the reverse of vaporization. The word most often refers to the water cycle.

Hydrolysis (; from Ancient Greek hydro- 'water', and lysis 'to unbind') is any chemical reaction in which a molecule of water breaks one or more chemical bonds. The term is used broadly for substitution, elimination, and solvation reactions in which water is the nucleophile.Biological hydrolysis is the cleavage of biomolecules where a water molecule is consumed to effect the separation of a larger molecule into component parts.

Water which collects as droplets on a cold surface when humid air is in contact with it

The reaction of water with another chemical compound to form two or more products, involving ionization of the water molecule and usually splitting the other compound. Examples include the catalytic conversion of starch to glucose, saponification, and the formation of acids or bases from dissolved ions.

The conversion of a vapour or gas to a liquid

(chemistry) A chemical process of decomposition involving the splitting of a bond and the addition of the hydrogen cation and the hydroxide anion of water.

A concise version of something, especially a text

A chemical process causing the splitting of a chemical bond by the addition of the elements of water. Where the bond which is split is not part of a ring structure, this process causes formation of two compounds from one compound plus water, as in the hydrolysis of the ester bonds of fats during saponification.

The act of condensing.

A chemical reaction in which water reacts with a compound to produce other compounds; involves the splitting of a bond and the addition of the hydrogen cation and the hydroxide anion from the water

The state of being condensed.

An abridgment or shortening of something, especially of a written work or speech.

The process by which a gas or vapor changes to a liquid.

The liquid so formed.

(Chemistry) A chemical reaction in which water or another simple substance is released by the combination of two or more molecules.

(Psychology) In psychoanalytic theory, the process by which a single symbol or word is associated with the emotional content of several, not necessarily related, ideas, feelings, memories, or impulses, especially as expressed in dreams.

The act or process of condensing or of being condensed

The state of being condensed.

(physics) The conversion of a gas to a liquid.

The condensate so formed.

(chemistry) The reaction of two substances with the simultaneous loss of water or other small molecule.

(psychology) when a single idea (an image, memory, or thought) or dream object stands for several associations and ideas.

The act or process of condensing or of being condensed; the state of being condensed.

The act or process of reducing, by depression of temperature or increase of pressure, etc., to another and denser form, as gas to the condition of a liquid or steam to water.

A rearrangement or concentration of the different constituents of one or more substances into a distinct and definite compound of greater complexity and molecular weight, often resulting in an increase of density, as the condensation of oxygen into ozone, or of acetone into mesitylene.

(psychoanalysis) an unconscious process whereby two ideas or images combine into a single symbol; especially in dreams

The process of changing from a gaseous to a liquid or solid state

Atmospheric moisture that has condensed because of cold

The process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together;

A shortened version of a written work

The act of increasing the density of something

Yes, condensation combines molecules, while hydrolysis breaks them apart.

Condensation often releases a small molecule like water.

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that breaks a larger molecule into smaller ones using water.

Hydrolysis usually releases energy.

Condensation is a chemical reaction that combines smaller molecules into a larger one.

Hydrolysis is involved in the breakdown of complex molecules like proteins during digestion.

Hydrolysis consumes water to break bonds.

Condensation is involved in the formation of complex organic compounds like proteins.

Yes, both reactions often involve enzymes to catalyze the process.

Condensation releases water, while hydrolysis consumes it.

Generally, but not always. Some hydrolysis reactions may require energy.

Condensation often requires energy input.

Yes, condensation reactions are often reversible, especially with the addition of water (hydrolysis).

Yes, both reactions are common in cellular metabolism.

Hydrolysis can break various types of bonds, including covalent and ester bonds.