Question

Alcohols are comparatively more soluble in water than hydrocarbons of comparable molecular masses. Explain this fact.

Answer 1

Solubility of alcohols in water is due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, as shown:

Alcohols can form this contact because of their hydroxyl (OH) group, making them soluble in water. Hydrogen bonding is generally not found in hydrocarbons of similar molecular mass. In addition, the solubility of alcohols decreases as the hydrocarbon component increases.