Final answer:
Ethanol is a small alcohol molecule that is completely soluble in water due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules through its hydroxyl group.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, ethanol is a small, water-soluble molecule. Ethanol belongs to a class of compounds known as alcohols, which are characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group. This hydroxyl group allows ethanol to engage in hydrogen bonding with water molecules, contributing to its complete solubility in water. The molecular formula of ethanol is C₂H₆O. Due to its small size and the presence of the hydrophilic hydroxyl group, ethanol can mix with water in all proportions. This property contrasts with larger alcohols, which have decreased solubility in water as their hydrocarbon chain length increases. For example, 1-butanol, with a four-carbon chain, is much less soluble in water compared to ethanol.