What are lyophilic and lyophobic sols? Give one example of each type.

(i) Lyophilic sols:

Colloidal sols that are formed by mixing substances such as gum, gelatin, starch, etc. with a suitable liquid (dispersion medium) are called lyophilic sols. These sols are reversible in nature i.e., if two constituents of the sol are separated by any means (such as evaporation), then the sol can be prepared again by simply mixing the dispersion medium with the dispersion phase and shaking the mixture.
(ii) Lyophobic sols:
When substances such as metals and their sulphides etc. are mixed with the dispersion medium, they do not form colloidal sols. Their colloidal sols can be prepared only by special methods. Such sols are called lyophobic sols. These sols are irreversible in nature. For example: sols of metals. Now, the stability of hydrophilic sols depends on two things- the presence of a charge and the salvation of colloidal particles. On the other hand, the stability of hydrophobic sols is only because of the presence of a charge. Therefore, the latter are much less stable than the former. If the charge of hydrophobic sols is removed (by addition of electrolytes), then the particles present in them come closer and form aggregates, leading to precipitation.

Lyophilic sols :- Those colloidal sols which are attracted towards solvent, are called lyophilic sols. These sols are called reversible sols. They are quite stable and can not be easily coagulated.

Ex. Gelatine

Lyophobic sols :- Those colloidal sols which are not easily attracted towards solvent, are called lyophobic sols. These sols are called irreversible sols. These sols are not stable and can be easily coagulated.

Ex. Metal sulphide

Lyophilic Sols:

Colloidal sols directly formed by rnixing substances like gums, gelatin, starch, rubber. etc. with a suitable liquid (The dispersion medium) are lyophilic sols. An important characteristic of these sols is that if the dispersion medium is separated from the dispersed phase

(say by evaporation) the sol can be reconstituted by simply remixing with the dispersion medium. That is why these sols are also called reversible sols. These sols are quite stable and cannot be easily coagulated.

Lyophobic sols: 

These colloidal sols can only be prepared by some special methods. These sols are readily precipitated on the addition of small amount of electrolytes, by heating or by shaking and hence are not stable.

Hydrophobic sols are water hating. They are formed by indirect method. These sols are irreversible sols. These sols are readily precipitated by the addition of small amount of electrolytes, by heating or by shaking and hence are not stable.