What is the process of dissociation? 1.a solvent separates the individual molecules in a compound and carries them away, but leaves them chemically unchanged. 2.a solvent disrupts the lattice-like structure of an ionic compound, causing the ions to combine into a new compound. 3.a solvent separates the atoms of a covalent molecule and carries them away, breaking the substance down into individual ions. 4.a solvent disrupts the lattice-like structure of an ionic compound, breaking the compound into individual ions.