what is meant by hygroscopic and why ethanol is highly hygroscopic ???
Any substance which is capable of absorbing moisture from the atmosphere is said to be hygroscopic in nature.
For example calcium chloride, zinc chloride etc.
Ethanol is also hygroscopic in nature, this is because of the fact that ethanol has a good affinity towards water.
The chemical formula of ethanol is CH3-CH2-OH, due to the presence of -OH group ethanol is capable of forming strong hydrogen bonds with water molecule. This unique property makes ethanol a good dehydrating or hygroscopic substance.
For example calcium chloride, zinc chloride etc.
Ethanol is also hygroscopic in nature, this is because of the fact that ethanol has a good affinity towards water.
The chemical formula of ethanol is CH3-CH2-OH, due to the presence of -OH group ethanol is capable of forming strong hydrogen bonds with water molecule. This unique property makes ethanol a good dehydrating or hygroscopic substance.