This document discusses several key properties of water that make it an excellent solvent for biochemical reactions. It explains that water is polar due to polar bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms. This polarity allows water to interact with ionic compounds and polar molecules through ion-dipole and dipole-dipole interactions, dissolving them. Water also forms hydrogen bonds that contribute to its unique solvent properties and the structure of biological molecules like DNA and proteins.

1. Chapter Two Water: The Solvent for Biochemical Reactions Paul D. Adams University of Arkansas

6. Hydration Shells Surrounding Ions in Water

7. • Ion-dipole and dipole-dipole interactions help ionic and polar compounds dissolve in water Ion-dipole and Dipole-dipole Interactions

11. Examples of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Substances

27. Laboratory Buffers