What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
eluent
Example
The eluent carried the sample through the column. [eluent: noun]
Example
We used a mixture of methanol and water as the eluent for the separation. [eluent: noun]
solvent
Example
Water is a universal solvent. [solvent: noun]
Example
We used acetone as a solvent to dissolve the polymer. [solvent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Solvent is more commonly used than eluent in everyday language and has broader applications in various fields of chemistry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between eluent and solvent?
Both eluent and solvent are formal terms used in scientific and technical contexts. However, eluent is more specialized and typically used in analytical chemistry, while solvent has broader applications and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
