For each compound, would you expect greater solubility in water or in hexane? Indicate the kinds of intermolecular forces that occur between the solute and the solvent in which the molecule is most soluble. a. glucose

Key Concepts

Polarity of Molecules

Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule. Polar molecules, like glucose, have regions of partial positive and negative charge due to differences in electronegativity between atoms. This property influences solubility, as polar substances tend to dissolve well in polar solvents like water, while nonpolar substances dissolve better in nonpolar solvents like hexane.

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring particles (atoms, molecules, or ions). In the case of glucose in water, hydrogen bonding is a significant intermolecular force, as glucose can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Understanding these forces helps predict solubility, as stronger interactions between solute and solvent lead to greater solubility.

Like Dissolves Like

The principle of 'like dissolves like' states that polar solvents dissolve polar solutes, and nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes. This concept is crucial for predicting solubility; since glucose is a polar molecule, it is expected to be more soluble in water (a polar solvent) than in hexane (a nonpolar solvent). This principle helps in understanding the behavior of different compounds in various solvents.