The solubility of aliphatic alcohols in water progressively decreases as the size of the alkyl group — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
The solubility of aliphatic alcohols in water progressively decreases as the size of the alkyl group increases. What is the fundamental molecular reason for this phenomenon?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
Alcohols are soluble in water due to hydrogen bonding. However, the alkyl group is hydrophobic (water-repelling). As the size of the alkyl chain increases, its non-polar character and van der Waals forces dominate the molecule, decreasing overall solubility in polar water.
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