Sol Definition in Chemistry

What Is a Sol?

A gel is a type of sol, which is in turn an example of a colloid.
A gel is a type of sol, which is in turn an example of a colloid. Image Source, Getty Images
By
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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Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Updated June 04, 2019

Sol Definition

A sol is a type of colloid in which solid particles are suspended in a liquid. The particles in a sol are very small. The colloidal solution displays the Tyndall effect and is stable. Sols may be prepared via condensation or dispersion. Adding a dispersing agent may increase the stability of a sol. One important use of sols is in the preparation of sol-gels.

Sol Examples

Examples of sols include protoplasm, gel, starch in water, blood, paint, and pigmented ink.

Sol Properties

Sols display the following properties:

  • Particle size from 1 nanometer to 100 nanometers
  • Display the Tyndall effect
  • Are heterogeneous mixtures
  • Do not settle or separate over time

Source

  • Brown, Theodore (2002). Chemistry : The Central Science. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 0130669970.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Sol Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Aug. 25, 2020, thoughtco.com/definition-of-sol-in-chemistry-605920. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 25). Sol Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-sol-in-chemistry-605920 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Sol Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-sol-in-chemistry-605920 (accessed April 11, 2021).