why is 2-butanol soluble in acetone? why is 2-methyl-2-propanol insoluble in water? why is ethanol soluble in hexane?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Solubility of compounds depends on the interactions between molecules. These interactions can be influenced by factors such as polarity, hydrogen bonding, and the molecular size and structure of the compound.
- Why is 2-butanol soluble in acetone?
2-butanol (C4H10O) is a small alcohol that can engage in hydrogen bonding due to the hydroxyl (-OH) group. Acetone (C3H6O), while a polar solvent, has a different structure but still provides some polar interactions. The solubility of 2-butanol in acetone can be attributed to the fact that both molecules can form hydrogen bonds with each other, making the interaction favorable. Additionally, the similar size and shape of these molecules allow them to mix easily, as the polar groups in both molecules facilitate the dissolution process.
- Why is 2-methyl-2-propanol insoluble in water?
2-methyl-2-propanol (C5H12O), although it has a hydroxyl group and can form hydrogen bonds, is less soluble in water compared to smaller alcohols like ethanol. The reason for this is the bulky nature of its isopropyl group (CH3)3C. This group significantly reduces the overall polarity of the molecule, making it less able to form strong interactions with water molecules. Water, being highly polar, prefers to interact with molecules that have sufficient polarity and the ability to form hydrogen bonds. The hydrophobic (nonpolar) alkyl group of 2-methyl-2-propanol disrupts its ability to interact effectively with water, which results in its lower solubility.
- Why is ethanol soluble in hexane?
Ethanol (C2H5OH) is soluble in hexane (C6H14) due to the fact that both compounds have nonpolar characteristics in addition to their polar regions. While ethanol has a hydroxyl group that is polar, the ethyl group (C2H5) is nonpolar and can interact with the nonpolar hexane molecules. These nonpolar interactions between the alkyl groups help dissolve ethanol in hexane. While the hydrogen bonding between ethanol and hexane is weaker compared to its interaction with water, the nonpolar interactions between the alkyl groups allow ethanol to mix with hexane.
