What is the process of splitting a substance using water called?

The process of splitting a substance using water is known as hydrolysis. In chemistry, hydrolysis refers to a reaction in which water reacts with a compound, leading to the breaking of chemical bonds and the formation of new substances. This process is particularly significant in biological systems and various chemical reactions, such as the breakdown of complex molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids into their simpler components like amino acids, sugars, and fatty acids.

This process occurs when water molecules interact with the bonds holding the substance together, allowing the compound to dissociate into smaller parts. Hydrolysis is essential in digestion, where larger food molecules are broken down for absorption and utilization by the body.

The other options involve different types of chemical processes. Synthesis refers to the combining of two or more substances to form a more complex compound. Neutralization describes a reaction between an acid and a base, resulting in the formation of water and a salt. Decomposition involves breaking down a compound into simpler substances without the direct involvement of water. Thus, hydrolysis specifically highlights the role of water in the splitting process.