Structure of the Solvation Shell of Dissolved Particles

Abstract The first part of the article deals with the structure of the solvation shell of simple ions, particularly those with the inert gas structure, in aqueous and non‐aqueous solution. It is nowadays possible in favorable cases, to determine the solvation number or the coordination number in the first sphere. The solvation shells appear to be “more liquid” than was formerly believed. The hydration of neutral inert particles in aqueous solution is discussed in the second part. Caution is advised in the postulation of particular structural arrangements in the solution.