Benzoic acid is largely insoluble in cold water despite possessing a hydrophilic group capable of hy — Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids Chemistry Question
Question
Benzoic acid is largely insoluble in cold water despite possessing a hydrophilic $-COOH$ group capable of hydrogen bonding. What is the primary physical reason?
Answer: A
💡 Solution & Explanation
As the size of the non-polar, hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain or ring increases, it severely overpowers the hydrophilic hydrogen-bonding capacity of the carboxyl head, rendering molecules like benzoic acid insoluble in cold water.
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