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When the number of carbon atoms increases (or percentage of carbon increases), the hydrophobic (water repelling) portion increases and the compound becomes less soluble in aqueous medium and tends to be more soluble in organic solvents.

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Why are low formula mass alcohols soluble in water?

Low formula mass alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol, are soluble in water due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. The hydroxyl group (-OH) in alcohols can participate in hydrogen bonding with water molecules, allowing the alcohol molecules to mix and dissolve in water. This makes them miscible in water to some extent.


Are alcohols soluble in petroleum ether?

Alcohols are generally not soluble in petroleum ether, as petroleum ether is a nonpolar solvent, while alcohols are polar due to their hydroxyl (-OH) groups. The polar nature of alcohols makes them more soluble in polar solvents like water or alcohols themselves. However, some lower molecular weight alcohols may exhibit limited solubility in petroleum ether due to their hydrophobic hydrocarbon chains. Overall, the solubility of alcohols in petroleum ether is quite low.


Are wood shavings soluble or insoluble?

Wood shavings are insoluble in water. They do not dissolve but rather remain as solid particles when mixed with water. This insolubility is due to the complex structure of cellulose and lignin in wood, which do not break down in water. Instead, wood shavings can absorb some moisture but will retain their solid form.


What type of alcohols is fischer esterification limited to?

Primary and secondary alcohols are commonly used in the process and work efficiently with an acid catalyst but tertiary alcohols can also be used in some cases under the right conditions. One the reasons that it is more difficult to use tertiary alcohols is because of the steric hinderance which exists in the molecule so there is too much molecular interaction for a stable compound to form.


Do substances which dissolve in water conduct an electric current?

Some do. Electrolytes, which are substances that break into ions when dissolved in water, will conduct electricity. Such substances include soluble salts, acids, and bases.Other water soluble substances are non electrolytes and do not break into ions in water, or at least do so in extremely minute amounts. They do not conduct electricity. These include alcohols, sugars, and some other polar compounds.

Related Questions

What are some solvents?

vinegar water alcohols acids


Why are low formula mass alcohols soluble in water?

Low formula mass alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol, are soluble in water due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. The hydroxyl group (-OH) in alcohols can participate in hydrogen bonding with water molecules, allowing the alcohol molecules to mix and dissolve in water. This makes them miscible in water to some extent.


How can aftershave evaporate faster than water?

Some alcohols have a low heat of vaporization.


What are some alcohols that begin with the letter J?

jameson


Are wood shavings soluble or insoluble?

Wood shavings are insoluble in water. They do not dissolve but rather remain as solid particles when mixed with water. This insolubility is due to the complex structure of cellulose and lignin in wood, which do not break down in water. Instead, wood shavings can absorb some moisture but will retain their solid form.


Can alcohols dissolve fats?

Really depends on the fat and alcohol you are talking about. Alcohol has two ends, hydrophilic end, OH group (water loving) and hydrophobic end (water hating). If the alcohol is long chain molecule with longer hydrophoic end, then probably will be able to dissolve fat better.


What are some alcohols that start with the letter J?

Jack Daniels


What is the solute and solvent of water?

sodium, calcium bicarbonate and fluoride are the solute and water is the solvent


What is the only drinkable alcohol?

Basically only ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is safe to drink. Even then over consumption can cause poisoning.Other alcohols such as methanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) are all toxic. Even some such as absolute ethyl alcohol is toxic as its distillation requires the addition of benzene to the alcohol water mixture before distillation.. Denatured alcohol may also be mainly ethanol but contain materials to make it undrinkable. Some nom-commercial alcohols (moonshine or other names) may be spiked with toxic alcohols to increase its "punch" Chemically (and generally) speaking, odd carbon number alcohols are more toxic that even carbon alcohols but then then only ethanol has a neutral or pleasant taste.


What are some volatile liquid?

Volatile liquids may be ethers, alcohols, ketones etc.


What type of alcohols is fischer esterification limited to?

Primary and secondary alcohols are commonly used in the process and work efficiently with an acid catalyst but tertiary alcohols can also be used in some cases under the right conditions. One the reasons that it is more difficult to use tertiary alcohols is because of the steric hinderance which exists in the molecule so there is too much molecular interaction for a stable compound to form.


What is it called when some of the particles do not dissolve in a solution?

Usually not. Try this experiment: Prepare a glass of water and some salt. Add a teasppon of salt into the water. You wouldn't be able to see the dissolved salt particles.