Final answer:
The selection of a solvent system for separating substances X, Y, and Z depends on the differences in their polarity and boiling points, not their color or density. A lack of solvent polarity would make separation difficult if the compounds are polar and have similar molar masses.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine whether a solvent system is appropriate for separating substances X, Y, and Z, one must consider the physical properties, such as boiling points and polarity, of the substances in question. Given that the compounds have similar molar masses (58-60 g/mol), they likely have similar boiling points if they have similar structures as well. However, the key to effective separation would be differences in polarity which affects the strength of dipole-dipole interactions and ultimately the boiling points. Polarity can also affect solubility, meaning that one substance might be more soluble in a polar solvent and another in a nonpolar solvent.
Substances with relatively strong intermolecular forces and high melting points that are not easily compressed are typically solids at room temperature. These properties illustrate how intermolecular forces shape the phase of a material. In the context of liquid-liquid extractions, a substance that is more soluble in one of the immiscible liquids will preferentially partition into that liquid, making separation possible.
In conclusion, option (b) 'No, lack of polarity' could be correct if the given system does not have a solvent that can exploit the differences in polarity between X, Y, and Z for effective separation. Choice (a) 'Yes, due to similar boiling points' is unlikely to be accurate since similar boiling points would make separation difficult rather than facilitating it. The color of the substances (c) and the density (d) are not directly relevant to the separation if boiling points and polarity are the only considerations provided.