According to test, both lecithin and hydrolysed lecithin are only slightly soluble in water, but readily hydrate to form emulsions; the oil-free phosphatides are soluble in fatty acids, but are practically insoluble in fixed oilsfor formation of oil-in-water emulsions. The solubilities of soya lecithin and some of its individual ingredients are given as follows:
| Medium | Water | Hexane | Alcohol | Acetone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soy lecithin | Insoluble/dispersible | Soluble | Soluble | Insoluble |
| Phosphatidylcholine | Soluble/dispersible | Soluble | Readily soluble | Sparingly soluble |
| Phosphatidylethanolamine | Readily soluble/dispersible | Soluble | Soluble | Insoluble |
| Phosphatidylinositol | Readily soluble/dispersible | Soluble | Insoluble | Insoluble |
| Lysophospholipids | Soluble | Partially soluble | Soluble | Soluble |