Question

At equilibrium, this acid is found primarily in the water and not in the toluene. .    At equilibrium, this acid is found primarily in the toluene and not in the water.    This acid has an almost equal affinity for water and for toluene. Choices between Caproic , Acetic, and Butryic acid.

Answer 1

First let us identify the molecules:

Caproic --> CH3(CH2)4COOH --> this is the LEAST polar, actually could be considered nonpolar, since it has a very long chain, the dipoles are not strong enoguh

Acetic acid --> CH3COOH; this is the MOST polar, since it has a shor carbon/hydrogne chain vs. the COOH group

Butryic acid --> CH3(CH2)2COOH --> this has medium polarity.

Now, compare arguments

At equilibrium, this acid is found primarily in the water and not in the toluene. Like dissolves like, therefore, water a polar molecule, will dissolve with acetic acid mostly. Expect most acetic acid in the aqueous layer.

At equilibrium, this acid is found primarily in the toluene and not in the water. Like dissolves like, therefore, toluen, a nonpolar molecule, will dissolve with Caproic acid mostly. Expect most Caproic acid in the organic layer.

This acid has an almost equal affinity for water and for toluene. This is the "medium" species. Expect similar amounts in both, organic and aqueous layer. Butryic acid.