[en] Closely related to the process of ion induced nucleation is the solvation of ions. In fact, when condensable ligand molecules progressively attach to an ion in large enough number for a phase transformation to occur, a small liquid droplet is formed. While the droplet is not quite an electrolyte because ions of only one sign are present, detailed studies of such phenomenon in the gas phase lead to further elucidation of the molecular interactions analogous to those of ions in the liquid phase. The interrelationship of solvation and nucleation phenomenon is evident, and the purpose of this review is to compare these two processes, point out similarities, differences, present unknowns, and directions for future research. Herein, discussion is confined to the subject of nucleation from the gaseous to the condensed state. Major emphasis is focused on information concerning energetics and structure of small clusters which can be derived from mass spectrometric measurements combined with ab initio semi-empirical quantum mechanical, and electrostatic calculations