The first thing we have to do is establish the etymological origin of the word that we are now going to analyze exhaustively. Specifically, we can determine that it is found in Latin and more precisely in the term solvens , which can be translated as “the one who pays”.
Solvent is an adjective that refers to one who resolves, who has no debts or who deserves credit. A solvent person, therefore, is capable of successfully fulfilling an obligation or a job. It is also the subject who is able to face financial obligations.
For example: "We have to hire a solvent person who can help us solve the problems of the company" , "I need someone solvent to lead the marketing department" , "I have to show that I am solvent so I can access a new loan" , "The bank rejected the granting of the loan since Mario is not solvent . "
In the field of chemistry, a solvent substance is one that can dissolve. The homogeneous mixture between a solvent and a solute is known as a solution.
In solutions, therefore, the solvent or solvent appears in greater quantity and allows the solute to dissolve. In other words, the solvent allows the dispersion of the solute within it. The most common is that the solvent is the substance that establishes the physical state of the solution.
We can speak of polar solvents (which, in turn, are divided into polar protic and polar aprotic) and non- polar solvents, according to their molecular composition. The solvation is the process by which molecules of the solvent surround of the solute and allow dissolution. The most common solvent, considered the universal solvent, is water.
All this without forgetting that there are so-called organic solvents also known as volatile organic substances. They have the peculiarity that they release a series of compounds into the atmosphere and that they evaporate rapidly in the air. Hence, those that, as a general rule, are used to undertake cleaning tasks or to dissolve certain materials are considered an important source of contamination.
Against them, the so-called alternative solvents have arisen that significantly reduce the damage caused to the environment. Specifically, they can be divided into several categories: neoteric, benign, and reactive. As we said, they have a series of advantages when it comes to protecting the environment and that is that they use chemical substances that are absolutely respectful with it.
However, we must not forget the fact that they are even carried out through a series of chemical procedures that are more efficient, from an energy point of view. Hence these alternative solvents, also called new solvents, are listed as an integral part of "green chemistry".
A scientific sector that is the one that has allowed the creation of what is known as sustainable solvent, which is that it does not cause any damage to the environment.
The concentration of the solution finally reflects the relationship between the amount of solvent and the amount of solute in a homogeneous mixture.