16) Which of the following compounds is the most soluble in water?
A. CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CI
B.CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2OH
C. CH3CH2OCH2CH2CH3
D. CH3CH2CH2CH2OCH3
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The most soluble compound in water among the choices is B. CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2OH.
Explanation:
Water is a highly polar solvent, so substances that are also polar or have the ability to form hydrogen bonds with water are generally more soluble in it. To determine the solubility of each compound, let’s analyze their structures and polarities:
- A. CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2Cl (pentyl chloride):
- This is a non-polar compound due to the long hydrocarbon chain, with a chlorine atom at the end.
- Although chlorine is electronegative, it doesn’t form hydrogen bonds with water. The hydrocarbon portion dominates, and non-polar compounds do not dissolve well in polar solvents like water.
- B. CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2OH (pentanol):
- This compound contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), which is polar and capable of forming hydrogen bonds with water.
- The hydrocarbon chain (C-H) in pentanol is relatively long, which can reduce its solubility compared to smaller alcohols, but the hydroxyl group makes it more soluble than the other compounds listed.
- C. CH3CH2OCH2CH2CH3 (ethyl butyl ether):
- This compound is an ether. Ethers have an oxygen atom that can form hydrogen bonds, but the non-polar hydrocarbon chains somewhat limit their solubility.
- Although it has some polarity, ethers generally do not dissolve as well in water as alcohols because they lack the highly hydrogen-bonding -OH group.
- D. CH3CH2CH2CH2OCH3 (ethyl methyl ether):
- This compound is also an ether, with a similar reasoning to compound C. The oxygen atom can interact with water molecules, but the overall solubility is lower compared to alcohols due to weaker interactions.
Therefore, pentanol (B) is the most soluble in water because of its hydroxyl group, which forms hydrogen bonds, making it more compatible with water molecules.
I’ll create an image that shows the structures of these compounds.
Here is the diagram of the chemical structures of the compounds, with labels highlighting their functional groups. As explained, pentanol (B) is the most soluble in water due to its hydroxyl group, which can form hydrogen bonds with water.
