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Difference-Between-Lyophilic-and-Lyophobic-Colloids

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Difference-Between-Lyophilic-and-Lyophobic-Colloids

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Difference Between Lyophilic and Lyophobic

Colloids
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Key Difference – Lyophilic vs Lyophobic Colloids

There are two types of colloids known as lyophilic and lyophobic based on the nature
of interactions between dispersed phase and dispersion medium. The key difference
between lyophilic and lyophobic colloids is that lyophilic colloids form a strong
interaction between the dispersed phase and dispersion medium, whereas
lyophobic colloids form little or no interaction between dispersed phase and
dispersion medium.

What are Colloids


Colloids are fine particles of any substances in the diameter range of 1-1000 nm. A
colloidal system consists of two phases: (a) continuous phase, the medium in which
fine particles are distributed, and (b) discontinuous or dispersed phase, fine particle
phase within the colloidal range. The dispersed phase may not necessarily be always
a solid, but may also be a liquid or a gas. Similarly, the continuous phase may be a gas,
a liquid or even a solid. There are different types of colloidal systems depending on the
state of two phases.

Figure 01: Colloids


If the colloidal systems consist of a solid dispersed phase and a liquid dispersion
medium, such systems are called sols. When the liquid medium is water, the colloid
system is known as hydrosol; when the liquid medium is alcohol, the system is called
alcosol. Moreover, when the dispersion medium is gas, the system is called aerosol.

What are Lyophilic Colloids?


Lyophilic colloids are the colloidal systems in which the dispersed phase is strongly
bonded to the dispersion medium through adsorption. If the two phases are separated
by using any separation technique such as coagulation, the sol can be recreated simply
by mixing the phases. Hence, lyophilic colloids are called reversible colloids. These
systems are solvent loving. Lyophilic colloids have lower surface tension and viscosity
than the dispersion medium. The particles are not easily observed under
ultramicroscopic. The particles are extensively hydrated due to the presence of polar
groups in the lyophilic colloids. Examples for lyophilic colloids include starch,
proteins, gums, metasilicic acids, and soaps.

What are Lyophobic Colloids?


Lyophobic colloids do not form strong interactions between the dispersed phase and
the dispersion medium. The electrical charges of the solid particles of the dispersed
phase and that of dispersion medium establish repulsion forces, which help to remain
away from each other in the colloidal system. These colloids do not like solvents.
Lyophobic colloids are less stable; therefore, a stabilizing agent is often used to make
this system stable. In sols of lyophobic colloids, the solid dispersed phase can be
separated (coagulated) by adding an electrolyte or heating. Once the particles are
separated, they cannot be incorporated back into the sols by means of simple remixing.
Hence, these colloids are irreversible.

What is the difference between Lyophilic and Lyophobic


Colloids?
Lyophilic vs Lyophobic Colloids
Lyophilic colloids form a strong interaction Lyophobic colloids form little or no
between the dispersed phase and dispersion interaction between dispersed phase and
medium. dispersion medium.

Solvent Solubility

Lyophilic colloids are solvent loving Lyophobic colloids are solvent hating
Coagulation upon Addition of Electrolytes

A few electrolytes do not cause coagulation. Even small quantities cause coagulation.

Detection of Particles in an Ultra-Microscope

Particles are not easily detected Particles are easily detected

Particles Migration in an Electric Field

Particles may or may not migrate, but the Particles may migrate only in one
migration can happen in any direction. direction.

Examples

Starch, gums, proteins, soaps, and Metals such as platinum, gold etc,
metasilicic acids are some examples. metallic sulphides and hydroxides,
sulphur, etc. are some examples.

Reversibility

If the two phases are separated by using any Once the particles are separated, they
separation technique, the sol can be recreated cannot be incorporated back into the sols
simply by mixing the phases. Thus, they are by means of simple remixing. Thus, they
called reversible. are called irreversible.

Summary – Lyophilic vs Lyophobic Colloids


Based on the nature of interactions between dispersed phase and dispersion medium,
the colloids are broadly classified into two types: lyophilic and lyophobic colloids.
Lyophilic colloids form strong interactions between dispersed and dispersion phases,
whereas lyophobic colloids do not form strong bonds. This is the main difference
between lyophilic and lyophobic colloids. Starch, gums, proteins, soaps, and
metasilicic acids are some examples for lyophilic colloids, which are reversible and
solvent loving. Metals such as platinum, gold etc., metallic sulphides and hydroxides,
and sulphur are some common examples for lyophobic colloids, which are irreversible
and solvent hating.

Reference:
1. Joshi, R. A. Question bank of biochemistry. N.p.: New Age International (P) Limited, 2006. Print.
2. Madan, R. L. Chemistry for Degree Students (B.Sc. 1St Yr.). S.Chand & Company Pvt Ltd, 2014.
Print.
3. Sarda, V., Handa, A. C. and Arora, K. K. Chemistry Vol-I. New Saraswati House (India) Pvt Ltd,
2016.Print

Image Courtesy:
1. “Colloid sol” By kifo – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

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