Question

Which compound in each pair would be more soluble in water? Explain. (12.2)

a. ethane or ethanol

b. 2-propanol or 2- pentanol

c. methyl propyl ether or 1-butanol

Answer 1

Like dissolves in like , compounds which are polar and which are capable of forming Hydrogen bonds are more soluble in water.

a) ethanol has polar OH group and also forms hydrogen bonding with water and hence more soluble while etahne is non polar

b) 2-propanol has less hydrocarbons and hence overall its more polar than 2-pentanol , hence 2-propanol is more soluble ( Hydrocarbons are non polar so compound having more hydrocarbons i more non polar)

c) 1-butanol has polar OH group which is capalble of forming hydorgen bonds hence its more soluble while ether has weakly polar C-O-C bond