Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hexahydrate

noun

ˌhɛk.səˈhaɪ.dreɪt

Definition

A chemical compound that contains six water molecules per formula unit of the compound.

Examples

Gypsum can crystallize as a hexahydrate, forming CaSO₄·6H₂O.
Heptahydrate is a term used in chemistry for a compound with seven water molecules, while hexahydrate has six.

Meaning

The term hexahydrate refers to substances that are hydrated forms of solids, particularly salts, that have six molecules of water associated with each molecule of the salt.