Indicate the principal type of solute–solvent interaction in each of the following solutions and rank the solutions from weakest to strongest solute–solvent interaction: (b) CH₂Cl₂ in benzene (C₆H₆)

Key Concepts

Solute-Solvent Interactions

Solute-solvent interactions refer to the forces that occur between solute particles and solvent molecules when a solution is formed. These interactions can include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. The strength and type of these interactions significantly influence the solubility of a solute in a solvent.

Polarity

Polarity is a key concept in chemistry that describes the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule. Polar molecules have a significant difference in electronegativity between their atoms, leading to partial positive and negative charges. In the context of solute-solvent interactions, polar solutes tend to dissolve well in polar solvents, while nonpolar solutes dissolve better in nonpolar solvents.

Ranking of Interactions

Ranking solute-solvent interactions involves comparing the strength of different types of intermolecular forces present in a solution. Generally, hydrogen bonds are the strongest, followed by dipole-dipole interactions, and then London dispersion forces. Understanding this hierarchy helps in predicting the behavior of solutions and their properties, such as boiling and melting points.