Solute
The component of a solution present in the smaller amount, which is dispersed throughout the solvent.
Unit
mol
In depth
The solute may be a solid, liquid or gas, and it is the species whose concentration is quoted. When both components are liquids and fully miscible, the labels solute and solvent become arbitrary and the minor component is conventionally called the solute.
Examples in the real world
Sodium chloride in seawater, carbon dioxide in a soft drink, and sugar in tea.