# xerogel

> class of substances

**Wikidata**: [Q455333](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q455333)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xerogel

## Summary
Xerogel is a class of chemical substances categorized as a specific subclass of gel. It belongs to the broader category of solid jelly-like materials that are defined as substantially dilute cross-linked systems exhibiting no flow when in a steady state. This classification is recognized by international standards bodies, including the IUPAC.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Xerogel is an instance of a "group or class of chemical substances."
- **Parent Class:** It is a subclass of **gel**.
- **Defining Characteristics (Inherited):** As a subclass of gel, it relates to solid jelly-like materials that range from soft and weak to hard and tough.
- **Physical State:** Belongs to systems defined as substantially dilute cross-linked systems that exhibit no flow when in the steady-state.
- **IUPAC ID:** The substance class is registered in the IUPAC Gold Book under ID **X06700**.
- **GND ID:** 4190382-1.
- **Wikidata Description:** Defined simply as a "class of substances."
- **Global Presence:** The concept has Wikipedia articles available in 6 languages: German, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a xerogel?
A: Xerogel is a class of chemical substances that falls under the broader category of gels. It is defined taxonomically as a specific group of materials within the gel classification.

### Q: How is xerogel classified in chemistry?
A: It is classified as a "group or class of chemical substances" and is a direct subclass of "gel."

### Q: What are the properties of the gel class that xerogel belongs to?
A: The parent class, gel, consists of solid jelly-like materials that can be soft and weak or hard and tough. They are defined as substantially dilute cross-linked systems that do not flow when in a steady state.

## Why It Matters
Xerogel matters as a distinct taxonomical classification within material science and chemistry. By existing as a specific subclass of gel, it allows scientists and researchers to categorize specific types of solid, cross-linked materials that differ from standard gels or other variants like aerogels. Its inclusion in the IUPAC Gold Book (ID: X06700) underscores its validity and importance as a standardized chemical concept.

The classification helps in the precise identification of substances that share the fundamental properties of gels—being substantially dilute cross-linked systems with no steady-state flow—while possessing unique characteristics that warrant a separate category. This distinction is crucial for academic research, chemical database management, and the standardization of terminology across multiple languages and educational systems.

## Notable For
- Being a **subclass of gel**, distinguishing it from other non-gel substances.
- **Standardized terminology:** Possessing a dedicated identifier in the **IUPAC Gold Book** (X06700), verifying its status in formal chemical nomenclature.
- **Cross-referenced identity:** Being cataloged in major knowledge bases including Google Knowledge Graph, JSTOR, and the Great Russian Encyclopedia.
- **Multilingual coverage:** Having established encyclopedic entries in six different languages (de, fr, it, pl, pt, ru).

## Body

### Taxonomy and Class Hierarchy
Xerogel is formally defined as a "group or class of chemical substances." It sits within a specific hierarchy in chemical taxonomy:
- **Instance of:** Group or class of chemical substances.
- **Subclass of:** Gel.

### Characteristics of the Parent Class (Gel)
While the source material defines xerogel primarily through its relationship to the parent class **gel**, the properties of this parent class provide the necessary context:
- **Nature:** Solid jelly-like material.
- **Properties:** Can range from soft and weak to hard and tough.
- **Structure:** Substantially dilute cross-linked system.
- **Behavior:** Exhibits no flow when in the steady-state.

### Database and Identifiers
Xerogel is extensively indexed across various academic and knowledge platforms, indicating its recognized status in scientific literature:
- **IUPAC Gold Book ID:** X06700
- **GND ID (German National Library):** 4190382-1
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/121vxd63
- **Yale LUX ID:** concept/d4a40b92-a096-4515-a973-5eef8004013d
- **Great Russian Encyclopedia Portal ID:** kserogel-6ac6c2
- **Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana ID:** xerogel (Former scheme: 0522019)
- **JSTOR Topic ID:** xerogels (Archived)

### Digital Footprint
The entity has a sitelink count of 6 on Wikipedia, covering German, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian languages. It has a Wikidata sitelink count of 6, while its parent class "gel" has a sitelink count of 51.

## References

1. Compendium of Chemical Terminology