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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Alcohols are comparatively more soluble in water than hydrocarbons of comparable molecular masses.What is the reason of this phenomenon?
ChemistryAlcohols Phenols and EthersNEET
Options:
  • A Water and alcohols both are polar in nature. When an alcohol, is dissolved in water, it forms hydrogen bonds with water by breaking the H-bonding already existing between the water molecules.Hydrocarbons are non-polar in nature and do not form H-bonds with water molecules. Therefore, alcohols are readily soluble in water whereas hydrocarbons are not.
  • B Hydrocarbons lack polar groups, making them less prone to interact with water.
  • C Alcohols have higher molecular masses, which increase their solubility in water.
  • D Hydrocarbons exhibit strong covalent bonds, making them less likely to dissolve in water.
Solution:
2833 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: Water and alcohols both are polar in nature. When an alcohol, is dissolved in water, it forms hydrogen bonds with water by breaking the H-bonding already existing between the water molecules.Hydrocarbons are non-polar in nature and do not form H-bonds with water molecules. Therefore, alcohols are readily soluble in water whereas hydrocarbons are not.
Correct Option is : (A)
Water and alcohols both are polar in nature. When an alcohol, is dissolved in water, it forms hydrogen bonds with water by breaking the H-bonding already existing between the water molecules.Hydrocarbons are non-polar in nature and do not form H-bonds with water molecules. Therefore, alcohols are readily soluble in water whereas hydrocarbons are not.

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