Q.32. - Organic Chemistry

Question

Question: Explain why beeswax is insoluble in ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathbf{2}}\mathit{O}$ , slightly soluble in ethanol $\left(C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}OH\right)$ , and soluble in chloroform $\left(CHC{l}_3\right)$ .

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer

Beeswax is soluble in chloroform because it is the most non-polar solvent. It is insoluble in water because water is the most polar solvent.

Step 1: Chemical composition of beeswax

Beeswax is a lipid. It is made up of esters of fatty acids and long-chain alcohol. It consists of a long chain of hydrocarbons; therefore, it is less soluble in polar solvents like water. 

Step 2: Solubility of beeswax

Beeswax is a lipid, and consists of a long hydrocarbon part that is non-polar. As a result, it will be less soluble in polar solvents.

Water is a very polar solvent due to the presence of a highly electronegative oxygen atom in it.  Beeswax will thus be insoluble in water.

Ethanol ($C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}OH$ ) is less polar than water due to the presence of an alkyl group. As a result, beeswax will be slightly soluble in ethanol.

Chloroform ( $CHC{l}_3$) is a non-polar solvent. Beeswax consists of a non-polar hydrocarbon part. Therefore, it will be soluble in chloroform.