QUESTION 2.25(i)

Among the following compounds, identify which are insoluble, partially soluble and highly soluble in water?

(i) Phenol

(ii) Toluene

(iii) Formic acid

(iv) Ethylene glycol

(v) Chloroform

(vi) Pentanol

(i) Phenol: Partially soluble (Reason: Phenol has polar -OH group and non-polar $C_6{H}_5$ - group)

(ii) Toluene: Insoluble (Reason: Toluene is non-polar, water is polar).

(iii) Formic acid: Highly soluble (Reason: Hydrogen bonding)

(iv) Ethylene glycol: Highly soluble (Reason: H - bonds are formed although polarity is present)

(v) Chloroform: Insoluble (Reason: H - bonds are formed although polarity is present). Chloroform is a slightly polar compound. But it cannot make any strong bond (like hydrogen bond) with water. Due to the lack of strong interaction with water its solubility in water is very less (or not soluble).

(vi) Pentanol: Partially soluble (Reason: -OH group is polar but long hydrocarbon part is non-polar).