Immiscible Definition and Examples (Chemistry)

Water and oil in a beaker

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By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on September 13, 2019

The terms miscible and immiscible are used in chemistry to describe mixtures.

Immiscible Definition

Immiscibility is the property where two substances are not capable of combining to form a homogeneous mixture. The components are said to be "immiscible." In contrast, fluids that do mix together are called "miscible."

Components of an immiscible mixture will separate from each other. The less-dense fluid will rise to the top; the more-dense component will sink.

Immiscible Examples

Oil and water are immiscible liquids. In contrast, alcohol and water are completely miscible. In any proportion, alcohol and water will mix to form a homogeneous solution.

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Immiscible Definition and Examples (Chemistry)." ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-immiscible-and-example-605237. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 28). Immiscible Definition and Examples (Chemistry). Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-immiscible-and-example-605237 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Immiscible Definition and Examples (Chemistry)." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-immiscible-and-example-605237 (accessed May 29, 2023).