What is molar solution?

A molar solution is a liquid in which one mole of a particular compound has been dissolved in one liter of water. A molar solution may also be known as a one molar solution in chemistry. For example, a common compound used in laboratories is potassium chloride, which bears the chemical formula KCl. The molecular weight of potassium chloride is 74.55. One mole of the compound therefore weighs 74.55 grams. It 74.55 grams of potassium chloride is dissolved in water with a volume of one liter, you will produce a one molar solution of potassium chloride solution.

• The solvation process

The solvation process is an important part of producing a molar solution. It involves the compound dissolving in the water. For this to occur, the compound must be soluble in water; whether it is or not will depend upon the polarity of its molecules. It should also be noted that some substances are more soluble than others. Certain compounds will need to be heated in order for them to dissolve, but others will not dissolve in water at all. If this is the case, they are more likely to dissolve in liquids such as cyclohexane.

As the compounds dissolves, it essentially changes from a solid to a liquid. Molecules of the solid compound break away from one another and form a mixture with the water molecules, due to intermolecular forces between the different particles. If you watch the solvation process, you will see the solid disappear. The liquid could also change color and fizzing may occur.

• Safety advice

If you are investigating molar solutions, you should be very careful - certain reactions could be dangerous and pose a threat if you don't act correctly. Wear the appropriate safety gear at all times (this may include safety glasses and a lab coat) and tie long hair back. Keep bags and unnecessary items away from where the reaction is taking place, and only complete chemical experiments under the supervision of a qualified teacher or chemist.