Chapter 16, Problem 66QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the solubility of ethanol $\left({\text{CH}}_3{\text{CH}}_2\text{OH}\right)$ and insolubility of propane $\left({\text{CH}}_3{\text{CH}}_2{\text{CH}}_3\right)$ in water is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Solubility is the property of a substance in its solid, liquid or gaseous state (called solute) to dissolve in a liquid (in solid or gas as well) called the solvent.

The solubility of any substance depends on its chemical structure, temperature, pressure and presence of external chemicals.

A solute can be polar or nonpolar, and a polar solute normally dissolves in polar solvent, and nonpolar solutes in nonpolar solvents. This phenomenon is called: ‘like dissolve like’.