Q. 12.14 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Give an explanation of each of the following:

(a) Ethanol is soluble in water but propane is not.

(b) Propanol is soluble but hexanol is not.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) Ethanol is soluble in water because it contains alcoholic group but propane don't have.

(b) Propanol can hydrogen-bond to the solvent water molecules that's why it is soluble .

Part (a) Step 1: Given Information

We need to give explanation of given statement.

Part (a) Step 2: Explanation

Hydrogen bonding is when hydrogen bond with either fluorine, nitrogen or oxygen.

Ethanol is a polar molecule and there is a hydrogen bonding within its molecule. However, propane Is non-polar molecule and dispersion forces is the only intermolecular force that is exist within its Molecule. Due to similar bonding capacity, ethanol is soluble in water. 

Part (b) Step 1: Given Information

We need to give explanation of given statement.

Part (b) Step 2: Explanation

Propanol can hydrogen-bond to the solvent water molecules. the non polar hydrocarbon Cannot hydrogen bond so that is insoluble. The hexanol has a larger non-polar hydrocarbon area and so resembles a hydrocarbon, even though the OH of hexanol is capable of hydrogen-bonding.