Question

What are macromolecular colloids and why are they called so? Give two examples.

Answer 1

Macromolecular colloids are colloidal solutions in which the dispersed particles are large molecules (macromolecules) with very high molecular masses. They are called so because the particles themselves are individual large molecules rather than aggregates. Examples include starch and proteins. These colloids are typically lyophilic and stable due to the inherent affinity of macromolecules for the dispersion medium, such as water. Other examples are gelatin and cellulose.