Based on the structure of 1-decanol, it should be (soluble/insoluble) in water.

Based on the structure of 1-decanol, it should be (soluble/insoluble) in water. Why? Based on the structure of 1-decanol, it should be (soluble/insoluble) in hexane. Why?

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

Correct Answers:

• Based on the structure of 1-decanol, it should be insoluble in water.
• Based on the structure of 1-decanol, it should be soluble in hexane.

Explanation:

1-decanol is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₁₀H₂₂O. Its structure consists of a long nonpolar hydrocarbon chain with ten carbon atoms and a single polar hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to one end. This gives 1-decanol both a hydrophilic (water-attracting) end and a much larger hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail.

When considering solubility in water, we must focus on the compound’s polarity. Water is a highly polar solvent, and according to the rule “like dissolves like,” polar substances tend to dissolve in polar solvents. While the -OH group in 1-decanol can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, the long nonpolar hydrocarbon chain greatly reduces its overall polarity. As the length of the hydrocarbon chain increases, the compound becomes more hydrophobic. Since 1-decanol has a ten-carbon chain, this hydrophobic portion dominates, making it largely incompatible with water. Therefore, 1-decanol is insoluble in water.

In contrast, hexane is a nonpolar solvent composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Nonpolar compounds dissolve well in nonpolar solvents because there is no need to break strong polar interactions. The long hydrocarbon chain of 1-decanol is structurally similar to hexane and can interact favorably through dispersion forces. Although 1-decanol has a small polar -OH group, the dominant nonpolar hydrocarbon portion makes it compatible with nonpolar solvents like hexane. As a result, 1-decanol is soluble in hexane.

In summary, the solubility behavior of 1-decanol reflects its molecular structure. Its long hydrophobic tail limits its interaction with water but allows it to mix well with nonpolar solvents like hexane.