Acid hydrolysis
Acid Hydrolysis
Acid hydrolysis (/ˈæsɪd haɪˈdrɒlɪsɪs/; from the Greek words hydro- meaning water, and lysis- meaning to unbind) is a process in which a water molecule is used to break the bonds of a certain substance, in the presence of an acid. This process is commonly used in chemistry and biochemistry to break down complex molecules, such as proteins, starches, or cellulose.
Process
In acid hydrolysis, the substance to be broken down is mixed with water and an acid. The acid acts as a catalyst, speeding up the reaction without being consumed in the process. The water molecule is split into a hydrogen ion and a hydroxide ion, which then attack the bonds of the substance, breaking it down into simpler components.
Applications
Acid hydrolysis is used in various fields, including:
- Food processing: Acid hydrolysis is used to break down proteins in food, making them easier to digest. It is also used to convert starches into sugars, which can then be fermented to produce alcohol.
- Biofuel production: Acid hydrolysis is used to break down cellulose in plant material into simple sugars, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol.
- Pharmaceuticals: Acid hydrolysis is used in the production of certain drugs, such as aspirin.
Related Terms
- Hydrolysis: A general term for any reaction in which a water molecule is used to break the bonds of a substance.
- Base hydrolysis: A similar process to acid hydrolysis, but using a base instead of an acid.
- Catalyst: A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
- Hydrogen ion: A positively charged ion, produced when a water molecule is split during hydrolysis.
- Hydroxide ion: A negatively charged ion, produced when a water molecule is split during hydrolysis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acid hydrolysis
- Wikipedia's article - Acid hydrolysis
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