Chemistry · Alcohols, Phenols and Ether
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Which of the following is more soluble in water?
- A
Ethanol
- B
Phenol
- C
Hexanol
- D
Dimethyl ether
Ethanol is a small polar molecule, the OH group makes hydrogen bonding with water.
As most higher alcohols are insoluble; hexanol is a long chain alcohol hence it is insoluble.
Phenol and dimethyl ether are slightly soluble.
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH):
Contains a hydroxyl (-OH) group, which can form strong hydrogen bonds with water.
Has a short alkyl chain, making it highly soluble in water.
Phenol (C₆H₅OH):
Has a hydroxyl (-OH) group, allowing hydrogen bonding.
However, the benzene ring is hydrophobic, reducing its solubility compared to ethanol.
Hexanol (C₆H₁₃OH):
Also has a hydroxyl (-OH) group but a longer nonpolar hydrocarbon chain.
The increased hydrophobicity reduces solubility compared to etha
nol.
Dimethyl ether (CH₃OCH₃):
Has an oxygen atom but lacks an -OH group, meaning it cannot form strong hydrogen bonds with water.
It is less soluble than ethanol.
Tagged under Chemistry · Alcohols, Phenols and Ether · 2021