Question

Explain why 2,5-Dichloro-2,5-dimethylhexane is soluble in hexane but 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol is not. What kind of intermolecular forces are present in hexanes?

Answer 1

Ans :- We know Like dissolve like i.e. polar solute can dissolve only in polar solvent and non-polar solute can dissolve only in non-polar solvent. Hexane is a non polar solvent i.e. solvents which do not contains OH, NH₂, COOH groups.  2,5-Dichloro-2,5-dimethylhexane is also non-polar (i.e. moderately polar). Therefore 2,5-Dichloro-2,5-dimethylhexane is soluble in hexane. But 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexanediol is polar solvent due to the presence of two OH groups. Therefore it is not soluble in non polar solvent i.e. in hexane.

Dispersion forces or Weak van der waal intermolecular forces are present in hexanes.