Question

Rank the following substances in order from most soluble in water to least soluble in water: ethane, C2H6; 2-butanol, C4H9OH; potassium chloride, KCl; and propane, C3H8.

Answer 1

The correct order of solubility in water from most to least is: potassium chloride (KCl), 2-butanol (C4H9OH), ethane (C2H6), and propane (C3H8).

Step-by-step explanation:

To rank the given substances in order from most soluble in water to least soluble in water, we must consider their molecular structures and the concept of 'like dissolves like.' This means that polar substances are generally more soluble in polar solvents like water, and nonpolar substances are more soluble in nonpolar solvents like hydrocarbons.

1. Potassium chloride (KCl) is an ionic compound and will dissociate into ions in water, making it highly soluble.
2. 2-Butanol (C4H9OH) has a polar hydroxyl group that can form hydrogen bonds with water, increasing its solubility.
3. Propane (C3H8) is a nonpolar molecule with very low solubility in water.
4. Ethane (C2H6) is also a nonpolar molecule, similar to propane, but with a slightly lower molecular weight, which typically corresponds to slightly higher solubility.

Therefore, the predicted order of solubility in water from most to least is: KCl > 2-butanol > ethane > propane.

Answer 2

Potassium chloride > Butanol >Propane > Ethane

Step-by-step explanation:

Water is a polar solvent and it is likely to dissolve polar molecules.

KCl is ionic in nature and is completely polar and the solubility of the salt, potassium chloride is the highest.

Butanol can form hydrogen bonding with the water despite having a carbon chain. Thus, butanol will be at second.

Taking about, ethane and propane, both are non polar and least likely to dissolve in water. But, the extent of the London forces increases with the increase in the molecular weight. So, propane will dissolve faster than ethane.

The order is:

Potassium chloride > Butanol >Propane > Ethane