Question

Amongst the following compounds, identify which are insoluble, partially soluble and highly soluble in water?

1. Phenol
2. Toluene
3. Formic acid
4. Ethylene glycol
5. Chloroform
6. Pentanol

Answer 1

Insoluble	Partially soluble	Highly soluble
Toluene	Phenol	Formic acid
Chloroform	Pentanol	Ethylene glycol

Explanation:

1. Partially soluble, because −C₆H₅ group is non-polar, while −OH group is polar.
2. Insoluble, because toluene is non-polar while water is polar.
3. Highly soluble, because it can form hydrogen bonding with water.
4. Highly soluble, because it has two polar −OH groups which can form hydrogen bonding with water.
5. Insoluble, because it is unable to form hydrogen bonding with water.
6. Partially soluble, because −OH group is polar but −C₅H₁₁ group is non-polar.