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Lipophilicity

Meaning

Lipophilicity is a fundamental physicochemical property of a chemical compound, describing its inherent affinity for and ability to dissolve in non-polar solvents, such as fats and lipids, as opposed to aqueous or polar solvents. This characteristic is quantitatively expressed by the partition coefficient, typically log P, which is the ratio of the compound’s concentration in an organic phase to its concentration in water. Lipophilicity is a critical determinant governing a hormone or drug’s absorption, distribution, and cellular bioavailability.