A universal solvent is a substance that dissolves most chemicals. Water is called the universal solvent because it dissolves more substances than any other solvent. However, no solvent, including water, dissolves every chemical. Typically, "like dissolves like." This mean polar solvents dissolve polar molecules, such as salts. Nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar molecules such as fats and other organic compounds.
Why Water Is Called the Universal Solvent
Water dissolves more chemicals than any other solvent because its polar nature gives each molecule a hydophobic (water-fearing) and hydrophilic (water-loving) side. The side of the molecules with two hydrogen atoms has a slight positive electrical charge, while the oxygen atom carries a slight negative charge. The polarization lets water attract many different types of molecules. The strong attraction to ionic molecules, such as sodium chloride or salt, allows water to separate the compound into its ions.
