What makes a molecule hydrophobic?

Answer 1

Most carbohydrate's follow (CH2O)n as their chemical formula therefore they tend to have several hydroxyl groups (O-H bonds). Hydroxyl groups are polar and therefore interact well with water. In addition there is a carbonyl group (C=O) which is also a polarized functional group and therefore can interact with water well.

* note n refers to the number of "carbon-hydrate" groups.

Answer 2

Yes, if a molecule is hydrophillic, it means that it has affinity for water. Since water is a polar compound, it can have affinity only for polar compounds. Thus, hydrophillic compounds are polar compounds.

Answer 3

Water molecules always tend to form the maximum possible number of hydrogen bonds. When non-polar molecules (like oils, which do not form hydrogen bonds) are placed in water, the water molecules act to exclude them. The non-polar molecules are forced into association with one another, thus minimizing their disruption of the hydrogen bonding of water. In effect, they shrink from contact with water, thus they are referred to as hydrophobic(Greek hydros, "water" and phobos, "fearing").

Answer 4

A molecule is hydrophilic when it can dissolve in water. That is why it is named 'water loving' in Greek.

Answer 5

A molecule can only be hydrophobic if it cannot handle being dissolved in water. The word hydrophobic means, "water fearing."

Answer 6

A hydrophilic molecule is attracted to water

Answer 7

Hydrophillic molecules are always polar (they dissolve in water) Hydrophobic molecules are always non polar. Non polar molecules include lipids, cholesterol, steroids.

Answer 8

attracted to