Which term describes a molecule's attraction to water?

Which term describes a molecule's attraction to water?

• A. Hydrophilic
• B. Hydrophobic
• C. Amphipathic
• D. Lipophilic

Answer: (A)

Water-loving describes the attraction. Hydrophilic molecules are polar or carry a charge, so they form favorable interactions with water—like hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions. This makes them soluble or easily dispersed in aqueous environments. In contrast, nonpolar substances lack these interactions and are called hydrophobic or lipophilic, which explains why they don’t mix well with water. Amphipathic molecules have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, allowing them to interface with both water and fats, but the simple attraction to water is captured by hydrophilic.

Water-loving describes the attraction. Hydrophilic molecules are polar or carry a charge, so they form favorable interactions with water—like hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions. This makes them soluble or easily dispersed in aqueous environments. In contrast, nonpolar substances lack these interactions and are called hydrophobic or lipophilic, which explains why they don’t mix well with water. Amphipathic molecules have both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, allowing them to interface with both water and fats, but the simple attraction to water is captured by hydrophilic.