Which of these substances is the least soluble in water? a. CH3(CH2)2 CH2 OH b. CH3(CH2)4 CH2 OH

step 1 Well, to determine which one of these is least soluble in water, they all only differ by the len

Which of these substances is the least soluble in water? a....

Which of these substances is the least soluble in water? a. $\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{OH}$ b. $\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{4} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{OH}$ c. $\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{6} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{OH}$ d. $\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{8} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{OH}$

Which of these substances is the least soluble in water?
a. $\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{OH}$
b. $\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{4} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{OH}$
c. $\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{6} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{OH}$
d. $\mathrm{CH}_{3}\left(\mathrm{CH}_{2}\right)_{8} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{OH}$

Labs

Want to see this concept in action?

NEW

Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.

View Labs

Key Concepts

Alkyl Chain Length

The length of the nonpolar alkyl chain in an organic molecule greatly influences its solubility in water. As the alkyl chain grows longer, it becomes increasingly hydrophobic, which diminishes the molecule’s overall solubility despite the presence of polar groups. This inverse relationship between alkyl chain length and solubility is critical when evaluating substances like alcohols.

Hydrophilic-Hydrophobic Balance

The overall solubility of a molecule in water is determined by the balance between its hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) parts. A molecule that has a small hydrophilic group, such as a hydroxyl group, but a large hydrophobic region may not dissolve well in water. This balance is key to predicting solubility in organic compounds.

Polarity and Hydrogen Bonding

Water is a highly polar solvent and can form hydrogen bonds. Functional groups like the hydroxyl (–OH) in organic molecules can engage in hydrogen bonding with water, enhancing solubility. This concept explains why substances with polar groups tend to dissolve better in water.

Transcript

Please give Ace some feedback