What does hydrolysis refer to in chemical terms?

Hydrolysis refers to the breakdown of complex molecules through the addition of water. In this process, water molecules are used to cleave chemical bonds, leading to the decomposition of larger compounds into smaller units. It is a fundamental reaction in both organic and inorganic chemistry and can be seen in various biological processes, such as digestion, where complex carbohydrates and proteins are broken down.

The other options do not accurately describe hydrolysis. The synthesis of new chemical compounds typically involves the combination of reactants rather than their breakdown, which is the opposite of what hydrolysis entails. The process of freezing chemicals refers to a physical change in state rather than a chemical transformation. Lastly, the removal of water from substances would be described as dehydration, another distinct process that does not align with hydrolysis.