Based on the solute solvent interactions, arrange the following in the order of increasing solubility in n-octane.
A. Cyclohexane
B. KCl
C. CH3OH
D. CH3NH2
E. CH3CN
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → B < C < E < D < A
n-Octane is a non-polar solvent, so by “like dissolves like” the more polar a solute is, the less it dissolves in it.
B. KCl — ionic: first (least soluble).
C. CH3OH — polar and strongly hydrogen bonded through O–H; very poorly soluble: second.
E. CH3CN — polar (the C≡N bond gives a large dipole) but, with no O–H, less strongly associated than methanol: third.
D. CH3NH2 — N is less electronegative than O, so amines are less polar than alcohols and their N–H…N hydrogen bonds are weaker; of the polar solutes it is the least polar: fourth.
A. Cyclohexane — non-polar like the solvent: last (most soluble).