question_answer 37)

 Amongst the following compounds, identify which are insoluble, partially soluble and highly soluble in water. (i) phenol                            (ii) toluene (iii) formic acid                  (iv) ethylene glycol (iv) chloroform                 (vi) pentanol.  

Answer:

(i) Phenol is partially soluble because it has polar -OH group but non polar, aromatic phenyl group. (ii) Toluene is insoluble because it is non-polar while water is polar. (iii) Formic acid is highly soluble because it can form hydrogen bonds with water. (iv) Ethylene glycol is highly soluble because it can form hydrogen bonds with water. (v) Chloroform is insoluble because it is non-polar while water is polar. (vi) Pentanol is partially soluble because -OH group is polar but the large hydrocarbon part  is non-polar.