Stedman's > chaotropism

chaotropism

Pronunciation: kā′ō-trōp′izm
Property of some substances, usually ions (SCN−, ClO₄−, guanidinium), to disrupt the structure of water and thereby promote the solubility of nonpolar substances in polar solvents (water), the unfolding of proteins, the elution from or movement through a chromatographic medium of an otherwise tightly bound substance, etc.

[G. chaos, disorder, confusion, + tropē, a turning]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Link to Page

Print Page

Email Page