Final answer:
Hexane, a nonpolar hydrocarbon, would not be readily dissolved in water, unlike the other substances listed which are polar or ionic and would therefore dissolve in a polar solvent like water.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which of the chemicals provided would not be readily dissolved in water, we consider the solubility rules of compounds in polar (like water) and nonpolar solvents.
- Uric acid is slightly soluble in water due to its polarity.
- Hexane is a nonpolar hydrocarbon and would not be soluble in a polar solvent like water. Nonpolar molecules tend to be soluble in nonpolar solvents such as hydrocarbons.
- Glycerol is highly soluble in water as it can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
- Ethanol is also highly soluble in water because of its ability to form hydrogen bonds.
- Potassium chloride is an ionic compound and is highly soluble in water, dissociating into K+ and Cl- ions.
Therefore, we would not expect hexane to be readily dissolved in water, making it the correct answer.