Question

For each solute, identify the better solvent: water or carbon tetrachloride.

CH₂O, Br₂, CaCl₂, C₆H₄

Answer 1

Polar solutes dissolve better in polar solvents, while nonpolar solutes dissolve better in nonpolar solvents. CH2O and CaCl2 would be better dissolved in water, while Br2 and C6H4 would be better dissolved in carbon tetrachloride.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to determine which solvent is better for a specific solute, we need to consider the polarity of the solute and the polarity of the solvents. Water is a polar solvent, meaning it has a partial positive and partial negative charge due to its bent molecular structure and the electronegativity of the oxygen atom. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a nonpolar solvent because it has a symmetrical tetrahedral molecular structure and the electronegativity of the carbon and chlorine atoms is similar.

Polar solutes will dissolve better in polar solvents, while nonpolar solutes will dissolve better in nonpolar solvents.

Let's analyze each solute:

1. CH2O is a polar compound with polar covalent bonds. It has a partial positive charge on the carbon atom and partial negative charges on the oxygen atoms. Thus, it would dissolve better in water, which is also polar, due to the attraction between the partial charges.
2. Br2 is a nonpolar molecule with nonpolar covalent bonds. It does not have any partial charges and is not attracted to polar solvents like water. Therefore, it would dissolve better in carbon tetrachloride, a nonpolar solvent.
3. CaCl2 is an ionic compound, meaning it consists of positively charged calcium ions (Ca2+) and negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-). Water is a polar solvent and can dissolve ionic compounds by separating the ions and surrounding them with water molecules. Therefore, CaCl2 would dissolve better in water.
4. C6H4 is a nonpolar molecule with nonpolar covalent bonds. It does not have any partial charges and is not attracted to polar solvents like water. Therefore, it would dissolve better in carbon tetrachloride, a nonpolar solvent.

In summary, CH2O and CaCl2 would be better dissolved in water, while Br2 and C6H4 would be better dissolved in carbon tetrachloride.