What is the term for the chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water?

The term for the chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water is hydrolysis. This process involves the splitting of chemical bonds in a compound through the addition of water molecules, resulting in the formation of simpler molecules or ions. Hydrolysis is a crucial reaction in many biological and chemical systems, as it often occurs in the digestion of food where larger molecules like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down into smaller, more manageable forms that the body can utilize.

In contrast, oxidation refers to a reaction involving the transfer of electrons that often results in an increase in oxidation state; it does not specifically involve water as the breaking agent. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water, but it is not a breakdown process. Fermentation is a metabolic process that converts sugars to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen, which is distinct from hydrolysis and does not involve water breaking down chemical bonds in the same manner.