What is "solvation"

1909, noun of action from solvate, a verb used in chemistry, from solvent + -ate (2).

n. (context chemistry English) An association, or a reaction, of a solute with a solvent

n. a chemical process in which solvent molecules and molecules or ions of the solute combine to form a compound

Solvation, also sometimes called dissolution, is the process of attraction and association of molecules of a solvent with molecules or ions of a solute. As ions dissolve in a solvent they spread out and become surrounded by solvent molecules. Solvation is the process of surrounding solute with solvent. It involves evening out a concentration gradient and evenly distributing the solute within the solvent.