Explain why one compound (Urea/cholesterol) dissolved in water while the other one did not using what you know about the polarity, intermolecular forces, and interactions of urea, cholesterol, and water.

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**Explaining Solubility: Urea vs. Cholesterol in Water**

### Prompt:
Explain why one compound (Urea/cholesterol) dissolved in water while the other one did not using what you know about the polarity, intermolecular forces, and interactions of urea, cholesterol, and water.

### Explanation:

In this educational context, we are tasked to examine the reasons behind the differing solubility of urea and cholesterol in water. Understanding these concepts requires an exploration of polarity, intermolecular forces, and molecular interactions.

#### Polarity:
- **Urea**: This compound is polar due to the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) and amine groups (NH2), which can form hydrogen bonds with water.
- **Cholesterol**: This molecule is largely non-polar, characterized by its long hydrocarbon chain and only one polar hydroxyl group, making it less compatible with water.

#### Intermolecular Forces:
- **Urea**: Engages in hydrogen bonding with water molecules, enhancing its solubility. The polar urea molecules interact favorably with the water's dipole.
- **Cholesterol**: Primarily exhibits Van der Waals forces due to its extensive non-polar regions, leading to poor solubility in polar solvents like water.

#### Interactions:
- **Urea and Water**: The polar nature of both molecules results in strong hydrogen bonding, effectively dissolving urea in water.
- **Cholesterol and Water**: The minimal presence of polar groups in cholesterol causes weak interactions with water, leading to its insolubility.

In summary, the solubility of a compound in water depends on its molecular structure and the type of intermolecular forces it can establish with water. Urea is soluble in water due to its ability to form strong hydrogen bonds, whereas cholesterol is not due to its largely non-polar nature.
Transcribed Image Text:**Explaining Solubility: Urea vs. Cholesterol in Water** ### Prompt: Explain why one compound (Urea/cholesterol) dissolved in water while the other one did not using what you know about the polarity, intermolecular forces, and interactions of urea, cholesterol, and water. ### Explanation: In this educational context, we are tasked to examine the reasons behind the differing solubility of urea and cholesterol in water. Understanding these concepts requires an exploration of polarity, intermolecular forces, and molecular interactions. #### Polarity: - **Urea**: This compound is polar due to the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O) and amine groups (NH2), which can form hydrogen bonds with water. - **Cholesterol**: This molecule is largely non-polar, characterized by its long hydrocarbon chain and only one polar hydroxyl group, making it less compatible with water. #### Intermolecular Forces: - **Urea**: Engages in hydrogen bonding with water molecules, enhancing its solubility. The polar urea molecules interact favorably with the water's dipole. - **Cholesterol**: Primarily exhibits Van der Waals forces due to its extensive non-polar regions, leading to poor solubility in polar solvents like water. #### Interactions: - **Urea and Water**: The polar nature of both molecules results in strong hydrogen bonding, effectively dissolving urea in water. - **Cholesterol and Water**: The minimal presence of polar groups in cholesterol causes weak interactions with water, leading to its insolubility. In summary, the solubility of a compound in water depends on its molecular structure and the type of intermolecular forces it can establish with water. Urea is soluble in water due to its ability to form strong hydrogen bonds, whereas cholesterol is not due to its largely non-polar nature.
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