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Q7.5:
Alcohols are comparatively more soluble in water than hydrocarbons of comparable molecular masses. Explain this fact.

Solution :

1. Theoretical Foundation: Intermolecular Forces

The solubility of a substance in water is primarily governed by the principle of "like dissolves like." Solubility is determined by the ability of a solute to form intermolecular forces with the solvent that are strong enough to overcome the solute-solute and solvent-solvent attractions. [Per the Solvation Principle].

2. Comparative Analysis of Molecular Interactions

To analyze the solubility difference between alcohols ($R-OH$) and hydrocarbons ($R-H$), we must evaluate the nature of their interactions with water molecules ($H_2O$):

  • Alcohols: The hydroxyl ($-OH$) group is highly polar due to the large electronegativity difference between oxygen ($\approx 3.44$) and hydrogen ($\approx 2.20$). Consequently, alcohols can form intermolecular hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • Hydrocarbons: These are non-polar compounds. They lack polar functional groups and are incapable of forming hydrogen bonds. They interact with water only through weak London Dispersion Forces, which are insufficient to disrupt the strong Hydrogen-Bonding network of water. [Per the Gibbs Free Energy Equation $\Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S$].

3. Visualizing the Hydrogen Bonding Interaction

O R-O-H H-bond Water ($H_2O$) Alcohol ($R-OH$)

4. Step-by-Step Mechanistic Explanation

Attribute Alcohols ($R-OH$) Hydrocarbons ($R-H$)
Polarity Polar (due to $O-H$ dipole) Non-polar
Interaction with $H_2O$ Strong Hydrogen Bonding Weak Dipole-Induced Dipole/Dispersion
Energy Requirements Exothermic/Thermoneutral (favorable) Endothermic (unfavorable)

Step 1: Disruption of Solvent Lattice: Water molecules are held together by an extensive network of hydrogen bonds. To dissolve a solute, this network must be partially broken, which requires energy.

Step 2: Formation of Solute-Solvent Bonds: In the case of alcohols, the energy required to break the water-water hydrogen bonds is compensated by the energy released upon the formation of new alcohol-water hydrogen bonds.

Step 3: Entropy Considerations: Hydrocarbons create a "caged" structure (clathrate) around themselves in water to minimize surface area contact, which leads to a significant decrease in entropy ($\Delta S < 0$), making the process thermodynamically non-spontaneous. Alcohols do not impose this restriction as they integrate into the hydrogen-bonded network.

Final Solution: Alcohols are more soluble in water because they possess a polar hydroxyl group capable of forming intermolecular hydrogen bonds with water molecules, whereas hydrocarbons are non-polar and lack the capacity to form such bonds, making them hydrophobic.


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