Final answer:
1,2-Dichloroethane is a better solvent for extraction than water due to its lower polarity and the principle of 'like dissolves like,' aiding in the dissolution and separation of nonpolar substances. The correct option is b) It has a lower polarity
Step-by-step explanation:
1,2-Dichloroethane is a better solvent for the extraction than water because it has a lower polarity (b). With a lower polarity, 1,2-Dichloroethane is better suited to dissolve nonpolar or slightly polar compounds due to the 'like dissolves like' principle.
In contrast, water is a highly polar solvent, making it less effective at dissolving nonpolar substances. Additionally, certain compounds may exhibit greater immiscibility with 1,2-dichloroethane, which is advantageous for separation processes.
The subject compounds under consideration typically exhibit differences in boiling points and solubilities based on their molecular structure, intermolecular forces (IMFs), and ability to form hydrogen bonds.
The reason 1,2-dichloroethane is a better solvent for this extraction than water is because it exhibits greater immiscibility with the compound of interest. Immiscibility refers to the inability of two substances to mix together. In this case, the compound of interest is more soluble in 1,2-dichloroethane than in water, making it a better solvent for the extraction.
The correct option is b) It has a lower polarity