Chapter 22, Problem 5RAT

Why might a high-formula- mass alcohol be insoluble in water?

(a) A high-formula-mass alcohol would be too attracted to itself to be soluble in water.

(b) The bulk of a high-fromula-mass alcohol likely consist of nonpolar hydrocarbons.

(c) Such an alochol would likely br in a solid phase.

(d) In order for two substances to be soluble in each other,their molecules need to be of comparable mass.

To determine

The correct option for the statement “Why might a high-formula- mass alcohol be insoluble in water?”

Answer to Problem 5RAT

The correct option for the statement “Why might a high-formula- mass alcohol be insoluble in water?” is option (b).

Explanation of Solution

The alcohols are basically soluble in water. The hydrocarbon side chain basically defines the solubility of alcohols.The bulky or heavy alcohols reflect that carbon atoms are present in large numbers which is basically non-polar. And thus, the molecule will become non polar. The hydrocarbon chain is mainly non-polar. Hence, due to the increment in non-polar hydrocarbon group the higher-molecular-mass alcohol is insoluble in water.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement “Why might a high-formula- mass alcohol be insoluble in water?” is option(b).