
Hydrolysis - Wikipedia
Hydrolysis reactions can be the reverse of a condensation reaction in which two molecules join into a larger one and eject a water molecule. Thus hydrolysis adds water to break down molecules, …
Hydrolysis | Definition, Examples, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 27, 2025 · A characteristic feature of the hydrolysis of esters and of most other organic compounds is that a third substance, ordinarily an acid or a base, increases the rate at which the chemical …
5.4: Hydrolysis Reactions - Chemistry LibreTexts
In a hydrolysis reaction, a larger molecule forms two (or more) smaller molecules and water is consumed as a reactant. Hydrolysis ("hydro" = water and "lysis" = break) involves adding water to …
What is Hydrolysis? - ChemTalk
The definition of hydrolysis is the breaking of a chemical bond through a reaction with water. Importantly, only ionic bonds and highly polar bonds can “hydrolyze,” meaning break down with water.
An Explanation of the Process Hydrolysis - ThoughtCo
Apr 30, 2025 · Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where water helps break down substances into smaller parts. Hydrolysis can occur in three main types: salt, acid, and base reactions. In living organisms, …
What Is a Hydrolysis Reaction? - ScienceInsights
Hydrolysis is a chemical process derived from the Greek words hydro, meaning water, and lysis, meaning to split or unbind. This reaction involves the addition of a water molecule to a larger …
What Is Hydrolysis? The Chemical Reaction Explained
Jan 8, 2026 · Define hydrolysis and its chemical mechanism. Discover how this water-based reaction fuels digestion, releases metabolic energy, and builds molecules.