hydration reaction

A hydration reaction involves adding water molecules to a substance, often changing its structure or properties. In chemistry, this means water interacts with certain compounds, breaking bonds or attaching to specific parts of the molecule. This process can alter how a material behaves, such as making a mineral softer or changing its chemical makeup. Hydration reactions are common in nature and industry, including the setting of cement, the formation of minerals, and biological processes like how our bodies use water in cells. Essentially, hydration involves water becoming an active participant in transforming a substance.