Question

Rank the following solvents from 1 most polar to 6 least polar. Use the Common Organic Solvents and Properties link on eCampus to help in your analysis

a.Toluene
b.DMSO
c.Hexane
d.Acetone
e.Ethyl Acetate
f.Methylene chloride

Answer 1

Solvents are ranked by polarity: DMSO as most polar followed by methylene chloride, acetone, ethyl acetate, toluene, and hexane being least polar. Polarity is key for solubility with polar substances dissolving in polar solvents, and nonpolar substances in nonpolar solvents.

Step-by-step explanation:

When ranking solvents by polarity, we consider the presence of polar bonds and the geometry of the molecule which affects the distribution of charge.

Here is the ranking from most to least polar:

1. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) - With a significant dipole moment due to the S=O polar bond.
2. Methylene chloride - Has C-H and C-Cl bonds, with the latter being polar due to the difference in electronegativities.
3. Acetone - Contains a polar C=O bond.
4. Ethyl Acetate - Has a polar ester group, although less polar than acetone.
5. Toluene - A benzene ring with a methyl group attached, it's less polar due to a lack of polar functional groups.
6. Hexane - A purely hydrocarbon solvent with minimal polarity.

To determine solubility one must consider the 'like dissolves like' principle.

Polar substances will generally dissolve in polar solvents like water, whereas nonpolar substances will dissolve in nonpolar solvents like toluene or heptane.

• Substances such as methanol (CH3OH) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) are polar and will dissolve in water.
• Octane (C8H18), being nonpolar, is more soluble in nonpolar solvents like heptane.