why ethyl alcohol is slightly soluble in some compounds?
2006-08-23 13:46:23 · 2 answers · asked by maymay eH 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It would depend mostly on the polarity of the compound. Ethyl alcohol, like most alcohols, is polar-it has a positive and negative side. The oxygen atom in the molecule of any alcohol is electronegative-it pulls the electrons towards the atom making the oxygen side more negative. The hydrogen part of the alcohol becomes more positive. So alcohol is like a magnet with a positive side and negative side. Some compounds, like oils and fats are non polar. This means the compound is not like a magnet and does not have a positive or negative side. Polar and non polar compounds don't mix. (try mixing oil and water) Chemicals can be slightly polar or non polar. So, chemicals can slighty dissolve in other chemicals. In this case, the compound would have to have some polarity to dissolve ethyl alcohol. There are other factors that effect solubility-temperature, acidity, pressure just to name a few. This could also explain why a compound is only partly soluble in alcohol.
2006-08-23 14:14:22 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is due to polarity of ethyl alcohol .
2006-08-27 08:11:34 · answer #2 · answered by Shahid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋