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Is 1-hexanol more soluble in water or ether?

User WiXXeY
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Final answer:

1-Hexanol would have some solubility in water due to its hydroxyl group, but it is more soluble in a nonpolar solvent like ether because of its longer nonpolar alkyl chain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The solubility of a compound in water or ether depends on the polarity and the ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.

If we compare the solubility of 1-hexanol in water and ether, we must consider its molecular structure. 1-Hexanol contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) which is polar and can form hydrogen bonds with water, but also has a relatively long nonpolar hydrocarbon chain that can interact well with nonpolar solvents like ether.

Considering the 'like dissolves like' principle, polar substances are more likely to dissolve in polar solvents, and nonpolar substances are more likely to dissolve in nonpolar solvents.

However, as the size of the alcohol increases, the nonpolar carbon chain's influence becomes more significant, and the solubility in water decreases. As such, 1-hexanol will have some solubility in water due to its hydroxyl group, but it will be more soluble in a nonpolar solvent like ether due to its longer nonpolar alkyl chain.

User Rahad Rahman
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