Why does naphthalene dissolve in organic solvents but does not dissolve in water?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

Naphthalene is a nonpolar molecule, which makes it soluble in organic solvents that are also nonpolar, like benzene or toluene. Water is a polar solvent, and naphthalene is nonpolar, so the two are immiscible. Polar molecules are attracted to other polar molecules, and nonpolar molecules are attracted to other nonpolar molecules due to differences in intermolecular forces.

Answer 3

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

Answer 4

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