Solubility of Gases
The amount of a gas that dissolves in a given volume of liquid at a stated temperature and partial pressure.
Formula / equation
S ∝ p, S decreases with T
Unit
mol/L
In depth
Dissolving a gas is exothermic because the molecules become solvated and lose freedom, so by Le Chatelier's principle solubility falls as temperature rises. Solubility also depends strongly on chemical affinity: gases that react with or hydrogen-bond to the solvent are far more soluble.
Examples in the real world
Oxygen dissolves to only 8 mg/L in water at 25 °C, while ammonia dissolves to over 500 g/L.