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Among the given compounds, which one undergoes solvolysis in aqueous ethanol most rapidly?

User Gal Naor
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Final answer:

In benzene, a nonpolar solvent, cyclohexane will be the most soluble due to its nonpolar nature, whereas ammonium chloride will be the least soluble due to its ionic nature.

Step-by-step explanation:

The solubility of compounds in a solvent depends on the nature of both the solute and the solvent. According to the principle of 'like dissolves like,' nonpolar solutes tend to be more soluble in nonpolar solvents, and polar or ionic solutes tend to be more soluble in polar solvents.

Given the compounds ammonium chloride, cyclohexane, and ethylene glycol (HOCH₂CH₂OH), and given benzene as the solvent, which is a nonpolar solvent, we would predict that the most soluble substance would be the one with the least polarity. Cyclohexane is a nonpolar molecule and thus will be most soluble in benzene. On the other hand, ammonium chloride is ionic, and ethylene glycol is a polar molecule due to its hydroxyl groups, capable of hydrogen bonding. Both of these are expected to be less soluble in a nonpolar solvent like benzene, with ammonium chloride being the least soluble because it is an ionic compound.

User Yogsototh
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