octanol-water partition ratio

symbol: $K_{\rm{OW}}$

synonyms: partition ratio, water/octanol partition coefficient

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.08192

Equilibrium concentration of a substance in octan-1-ol divided by its equilibrium concentration in water.

Note:
This is a measure of the lipophilicity of a substance. It is used in pharmacological studies and in the assessment of environmental fate and transport of organic chemicals.

Source:
PAC, 2022, 94, 353. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 474 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2018-1010)