In a solvation reaction, solvent molecules attach themselves to a solute species (cation, anion or molecule itself). The bonding between the solute species and solvent may involve either coordinate, ion-dipole, or hydrogen bonding.

Some typical examples of solvation reactions are:

MgCI₂.6H₂O           (aqueous solution)        Hydrate
CuSO₄.4NH₃           (liq. NH₃)                        Ammoniate
BaSO₄.3H₂SO₄       (100% H₂SO₄)             Solvate of sulphuric acid
KI.4SO₂                     (liq.SO₂)                         Solvae of SO₂

Solution of a cation occurs through ion-dipole interaction between the positive cation and the negative end of the solvent dipole. Sometimes a coordinate bond with the cation is formed by donation of an electron pair by the solvent molecule. The solvation of an anion can occur through ion-dipole interactions between the anion and the positive end of the solvent dipole, or through hydrogen bonding between the anion, and solvents such as ammonia, HF, sulphuric acid or water.

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