2006-10-03 07:52:07 · 3 answers · asked by redheadsushi86 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Because they are more polar than others. Ethanol has a higher dipolar moment than pentanol for example.
Additionally, the longer the carbon chain in the alcohol, the less polar they are and so, less soluble in water (it is said they have hidrophobic extremes or tails).
Good luck!
2006-10-03 07:58:10 · answer #1 · answered by CHESSLARUS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Solubility for alcohols depends upon H bonding. The lower molecular wt or High OH content like glycerol are soluble.
2006-10-03 07:56:25 · answer #2 · answered by christopher N 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some alcohols are soluble in water because of the presence of OH functional groups in them. This increases its tendency to form hydrogen bonds with water. So alcohols can dissolve in water because both can form hydrogen bonds with each other. :)
2013-10-28 17:57:04 · answer #3 · answered by Dolphin12 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋