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Reactions in Solution: The Idea of an Electrolyte Electrolytes An electrolyte is something which, when dissolved in water, causes the resulting solution to conduct electricity. Since the carriers of electricity in solution are ions, then an electrolyte must produce some ions in water. Water itself is so weakly ionized that almost no current can flow through it. It is generally considered a nonelectrolyte. Sugar (sucrose) being a molecular compound does not ionize in water and is also a nonelectrolyte. NaCl, BaCl2, NaOH, AlCl3...almost any combination of metal and non metal forming an ionic compound will ionize completely on entering solution in water and is a strong electrolyte. Strong acids and strong bases are always strong electrolytes.

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