What is the term for the splitting of a compound by water?

The correct term for the splitting of a compound by water is hydrolysis. This process involves the chemical reaction between water and a compound, resulting in the breakdown of that compound into smaller components. During hydrolysis, water molecules interact with the bonds in a compound, facilitating the separation of those bonds. It is a fundamental reaction in various biological and chemical processes, such as digestion, where larger macromolecules are broken down into simpler sugars, amino acids, or fatty acids through the addition of water.

In contrast, synthesis refers to the process of combining simpler substances to form more complex compounds, oxidation involves the loss of electrons often associated with the addition of oxygen or loss of hydrogen, and reduction is the gain of electrons typically accompanied by the loss of oxygen or gain of hydrogen. Understanding these different terms highlights the unique role of hydrolysis as a specific reaction that involves water as a key reactant for breaking chemical bonds.