Definitions
- Describing a substance that repels or does not mix with water. - Referring to a molecule that lacks polarity and does not dissolve in water. - Talking about a material that resists wetting or is difficult to wet with water.
- Describing a substance that dissolves or is attracted to lipids or fats. - Referring to a molecule that has an affinity for lipid-based substances. - Talking about a material that can dissolve in oils or fats but not in water.
List of Similarities
- 1Both terms describe the chemical properties of substances.
- 2Both are used to describe how molecules interact with other substances.
- 3Both terms are used in scientific contexts.
- 4Both terms are used to describe the solubility of substances.
What is the difference?
- 1Interaction: Hydrophobic describes a repulsion or lack of interaction with water, while lipophilic describes an attraction or affinity for lipids or fats.
- 2Solubility: Hydrophobic substances do not dissolve in water, while lipophilic substances dissolve in oils or fats but not in water.
- 3Polarity: Hydrophobic molecules lack polarity and do not have charged ends, while lipophilic molecules may or may not have polarity.
- 4Function: Hydrophobic substances are often used as coatings or barriers, while lipophilic substances are often used in drug delivery or staining procedures.
- 5Examples: Hydrophobic examples include oil, wax, and nonpolar gases, while lipophilic examples include vitamins A, D, E, and K, and steroid hormones.
Remember this!
Hydrophobic and lipophilic are both terms used to describe the chemical properties of substances. However, the difference between the two is that hydrophobic describes a repulsion or lack of interaction with water, while lipophilic describes an attraction or affinity for lipids or fats. Hydrophobic substances do not dissolve in water, while lipophilic substances dissolve in oils or fats but not in water.
