Final answer:
When transforming a hydrate, the water molecules bound to the compound can be removed by heating, resulting in the formation of an anhydrous compound. This process is known as dehydration and is often accompanied by a change in color. The water molecules in a hydrate are called waters of hydration.
Step-by-step explanation:
When transforming a hydrate, it is often seen that the water molecules bound to the compound can be removed by heating. These water molecules are known as waters of hydration. The process of removing the water molecules from a hydrate is called dehydration. Heating a hydrate allows the water molecules to break free from the compound, resulting in the formation of an anhydrous compound, which is the compound without any water molecules.
For example, cobalt (II) chloride is a compound that exists in both hydrated and anhydrous forms. The hydrated form, cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate, has water molecules bound to it, giving it a distinctive magenta color. However, when this hydrate is heated, the water molecules are released, resulting in the formation of anhydrous cobalt (II) chloride, which is blue in color. This transformation from a hydrate to an anhydrous compound is often accompanied by a change in color.
In summary, water is often seen in the form of waters of hydration when transforming a hydrate. These water molecules can be easily removed by heating, resulting in the formation of an anhydrous compound.