We can see here that the classification of substances based on the strength of their solute-solvent interactions with water:
- Ion-dipole forces: AICI, FeBr3
- Dipole-dipole forces: Ethanol
Solute-solvent interaction refers to the process in which particles of a solute substance (the substance being dissolved) interact with particles of a solvent substance (the dissolving medium) during the dissolution process. When a solute is added to a solvent, the solute particles disperse and interact with the solvent particles, leading to the formation of a homogenous mixture called a solution.