What chemical process does the term 'solvation' primarily refer to?

The term 'solvation' primarily refers to the process of dissolution of solutes. In this context, solvation involves the interaction between solvent molecules and solute particles, which leads to the solute particles being surrounded and stabilized by the solvent molecules. This interaction is crucial for the solute to disperse evenly within the solvent, resulting in a homogeneous solution.

During solvation, the solvent's molecules break the intermolecular forces holding the solute particles together. The extent and nature of solvation can vary depending on the types of solvent and solute involved, as well as the temperature and pressure of the environment. Understanding solvation is fundamental in many areas of chemistry, including solution chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology, as it influences how substances interact and react in biological systems and industrial applications.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what solvation entails. For example, while the formation of species and species differentiation may occur within various chemical processes, they do not specifically represent the solvation process. Similarly, temperature change in solvents can affect solvation but is not a defining characteristic of what solvation itself means.