Question

Name the factors responsible for the solubility of alcohols in water.

Answer 1

Alcohols are soluble in water because of hydrogen bonding with water molecules.

\[\begin{array}{cc}
\phantom{}\ce{R - O - H ⋅⋅⋅ O - H ⋅⋅⋅  O - H ⋅⋅⋅ }\phantom{}\\
\phantom{.......}|\phantom{..........}|\phantom{.}\\
\phantom{.......}\ce{H}\phantom{.........}\ce{R}\phantom{.}
\end{array}\]

The solubility decreases with increase in size of alkyl or aryl group.