Question

What is the difference between a hydrate and an anhydrate compound?

Answer 1

Hydrate compound:

• Hydrate compounds are chemical compounds with water of crystallization attached to it.
• For example, Gypsum $({\mathrm{CaSO}}_4.2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O})$, epsom salt $({\mathrm{MgSO}}_4.7{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O})$.

Anhydrate compound

• Anhydrate compound is a chemical compound with no water of crystallization attached to it.
• For example, Silica gel.

On heating, hydrated compound loses their water of crystalization and convert to anhydrous compound.