Q. 9.85 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Why does iodine dissolve in hexane, but not in water? $(9.1)$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Although iodine is a non-polar molecule. As the result it will absorb in hexane but not in water.

Step 1: Given information

Organic solvents can easily diffuse all non-polar compounds, although all polar molecules can absorb polar molecules. Iodine should dissolve the most in nonpolar solvents because it is a nonpolar chemical. Iodine is best dissolved in diethyl ether. 

Step 3: Explanation.

Since iodine is a non-polar ion, it will melt in a non-polar solvent like hexane. While water is a polar solvent, lodine does not react in it.