Question

Which of the following substances is likely to dissolve in water, and which is likely to dissolve in benzene (C₆H₆)? Note, in propyl ether, each CH₃ or CH₂ is a unit with the H’s bonded to the C’s, and the O atom is bonded to two carbons

      Substance                                                                    Solvent choice (H₂O or C₆H₆)

a. NaNO₃                                                                  _______________

b. propyl ether, CH₃CH₂CH₂ -O-CH₂CH₂CH₃         _______________

c. naphthalene, C₁₀H₈                                                _______________

d. methylamine, CH₃-NH₂                                        _______________

Explain each solvent choice given above

Answer 1

a. NaNO3 is salt therefore soluble in water.

b. Propyl ether is do not have any hydrogen bonding groups therefore soluble in benzene.

c. Naphthalene is non polar compound. Non polar compound is soluble in non polar benzene.

d. methyl amine can form hydrogen bonding with water. Therefore soluble in water.