Difference between Lyophilic and Lyophobic

Colloids
A colloid is a heterogeneous mixture of substances where very fine particles are dispersed in the
dispersion medium. A colloid is an intermediate mixture between a homogeneous mixture known as
a solution and the heterogeneous suspension. There are different types of colloids based on the
state and interaction between the dispersed phase and dispersion medium. The three main types
of colloids are:

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Sol – solid in liquid

Gel – liquid in solid
Emulsion – liquid in liquid

Based on the interaction between the dispersion medium and dispersed phase, sols are classified
into two types:

Lyophilic colloids or lyophilic sols – solvent-loving. In case of water as a dispersion medium, they are
known as hydrophilic.
Lyophobic colloids or lyophobic sols – solvent-hating. When water is a dispersion medium, they are
known as hydrophobic.

Lyophilic Colloids
In this type of colloidal system, the dispersed phase has a high affinity for the dispersion medium.
They are also known as reversible sols due to their ability to reconstitute on adding dispersion
medium after separation. They are quite stable and do not coagulate easily. Lyophilic sols are
highly solvated and the particles of the dispersed phase are covered by a layer of the dispersion
medium. They have the ability to protect lyophobic colloids from electrolytes. They form a protective
layer around lyophobic particles. Lyophilic colloids can be coagulated by adding electrolyte or a
suitable solvent. Examples of lyophilic colloids are gelatin, gum, starch, protein, rubber, etc.

Lyophobic Colloids
In this type of colloidal system, the dispersed phase does not have an affinity for the dispersion
medium so the colloid is not readily formed. They are also known as irreversible sols as they
cannot be reconstituted by simply adding dispersion medium after precipitation. They are unstable
and can coagulate easily on adding electrolyte, shaking or heating. Lyophobic colloids can be
prepared by special methods and require a stabilising agent. Examples of lyophobic colloids are
metals and their insoluble compounds such as sulphides.

Difference between Lyophilic and Lyophobic Colloids

The table below shows the main differences between Lyophilic and Lyophobic Colloids or sols:

Lyophilic Colloids Lyophobic Colloids

Affinity for the dispersion medium

High affinity, solvent attracting No affinity, solvent repelling

Preparation

Easy to prepare just by mixing, shaking or Require special methods to prepare and an
heating substance with the dispersion electrolyte for stabilisation
medium

Stability

Highly stable and do not coagulate easily on Unstable and can easily be coagulated by
adding electrolytes electrolytes

Reversibility

Reversible sols and can be reconstituted Irreversible sols and once precipitated, they
back by adding back the dispersion medium cannot be reconstituted back just by adding
the dispersion medium

Solvation

Highly solvated, dispersed particles are Dispersed particles are not solvated
covered by a layer of dispersion medium

Effect of adding an electrolyte

Require a large amount of electrolyte for Get coagulated even on adding a small
coagulation amount of electrolyte

Viscosity

Highly viscous, more viscous than the Viscosity is the same as that of the
medium dispersion medium
 Surface Tension

Generally less than that of the medium Generally, the same as that of the medium

Examples

Starch, protein, gelatin, gum, etc. dissolved Metals, metal sulphides and oxides
in water

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 What are the examples of lyophilic and lyophobic sols?
Examples of lyophilic sols include – gelatine and starch. Examples of lyophobic sols include –
metal sulphides and oxides.

Q2 State the method by which lyophobic sol can be protected.

Lyophobic sol can be protected by the addition of lyophilic sol.