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naphthalene is only made of two types of atom: carbon and hydrogen. There is little difference in electronegativity between these atoms (how well they can pull on electrons) so there is an equal distribution of electron density across the molecule, thus being NON-POLAR.

Water on the other hand is comprised of oxygen and hydrogen atoms, between which there is a large difference in electronegativity. This means that there is an imbalance of charge across the molecule resulting in water being POLAR.

a polar molecule is unable to interact with a non-polar molecule as they don't 'have anything in common' in terms of their charge distribution.

Naphthalene will dissolve in petrol due to petrol being a non-polar solvent.

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11y ago
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14y ago

as like dissolves like water being polar cannot dissolve a non polar substance like naphthalene.

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12y ago

N2 is a non polar compound and water is a polar solvent. So, nitrogen gas shows resistance to dissolve in water.

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Q: Why does naphthalene dissolve in organic solvents but does not dissolve in water?
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Related questions

What is the difference in the solubility of organic and inorganic compounds in water and in organic solvents?

In general, inorganic compounds will dissolve in polar or inorganic solvents such as water, whereas organic compounds will dissolve in organic solvents. However there are many exceptions to these.


Why is naphthalene more soluble in petroleum ether than in water?

naphthalene is non-polar and can only dissolve in non-polar solvents. ether is non-polar, water is polar.


Is naphthalene soluble to ethyl alcohol?

Yes, naphthalene is sparingly soluble in ethyl alcohol. It has low solubility in most organic solvents, including ethyl alcohol.


Why phenol does not dissolve in water when excess?

Phenol (C6H5OH) is more organic and is a covalent compound. The percentage of carbon is more compared to -OH (the polar part). Hence phenol will dissolve in organic solvents and not in water.


What do solvents do to you?

Solvents are chemical substances that can dissolve, suspend or extract other materials usually without chemically changing either the solvents or the other materials. Solvents can be organic, meaning the solvent contains carbon as part of its makeup, or inorganic, meaning the solvent does not contain carbon. For example, "rubbing" alcohol is an organic solvent and water is an inorganic solvent. Hydrocarbon and oxygenated solvents are examples of types of organic solvents that can effectively dissolve many materials.


How do you account for the observed solubility of naphthalene and sodium chloride in water and ether based on the nature of the bonds that exist in them?

The reason why naphthalene can be dissolve in ether and not in water is because of their polarity. Naphthalene is a non-polar molecule. so it can only dissolve with a non-polar molecule.


Is naphthalene soluble in water or hexane?

Naphthalene is strictly non-polar with a structure similar to two benzene rings linked together. Similarly ether is also highly non-polar. Since like dissolves like naphthalene is soluble in ether.


What is the generalization of solubility of lipids?

Lipids are soluble in nonpolar or organic solvents.


How can we separate naphthalene from sand?

One way is to dissolve the ammonium chloride in water, then recover the ammonium chloride by evaporation; the naphthalene will not dissolve in water in any substantial quantity.


Is carvacrol water-soluble?

Yes, carvacrol is partially water-soluble. It can dissolve in water to some extent but is more soluble in organic solvents like alcohol and oils.


Why is KNO3 and CCL4 not miscible?

KNO3 is potassium nitrate. It is an IONIC compound which dissolved in water. CCl4 is tetrachloromethane, it is a COVALENT compound, which is misxible in organic solvents.


How do you account for the observed solubility of naphthalene and sodium chloride in water and in ether based on the nature of the bonds that exist in them?

The reason why naphthalene can be dissolve in ether and not in water is because of their polarity. Naphthalene is a non-polar molecule. so it can only dissolve with a non-polar molecule.