Question Detail

CHM 102 Synthesis and Reactions of Alcohols & Phenols | General Organic Chemistry Objective Question
Take CBT

Question

Which of the following best describes the solubility trend of alcohols in water?
Options
A Solubility increases with increasing carbon chain length
B Solubility decreases with increasing carbon chain length
Correct Answer
C All alcohols are insoluble
D Only methanol is soluble
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

As the hydrocarbon chain lengthens, the nonpolar part dominates, reducing water solubility (e.g., 1-butanol 9 g/100 mL, 1-octanol 0.05 g/100 mL).

Hint

Like dissolves like: long alkyl chains are nonpolar.

Question Info

Course: CHM 102
Topic: Synthesis and Reactions of Alcohols & Phenols | General Organic Chemistry
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 52 of 1999
Previous Course Details Next