Co-solvents (in water solvent) are defined as kosmotropic (order-making) if they contribute to the stability and structure of water-water interactions. In contrast, chaotropic (disorder-making) agents have the opposite effect, disrupting water structure, increasing the solubility of nonpolar solvent particles, and destabilizing solute aggregates.[1] Kosmotropes cause water molecules to favorably interact, which in effect stabilizes intramolecular interactions in macromolecules such as proteins.[1]
- ^ a b Moelbert S, Normand B, De Los Rios P (2004). "Kosmotropes and chaotropes: modelling preferential exclusion, binding and aggregate stability". Biophysical Chemistry. 112 (1): 45–57. arXiv:cond-mat/0305204. doi:10.1016/j.bpc.2004.06.012. PMID 15501575.