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Chapter 13: Problem 29

Common laboratory solvents include acetone \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{COCH}_{3}\right),\) methanol \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{OH}\right),\) toluene \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{CH}_{3}\right),\) and water. Which of these is the best solvent for nonpolar solutes? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Toluene \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5}\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)\) is the best solvent for nonpolar solutes among acetone, methanol, toluene, and water because it is a nonpolar molecule. According to the "like dissolves like" principle, nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes, making toluene the most suitable choice in this case.

Step by step solution

01

Understand "Like Dissolves Like" principle

The principle "like dissolves like" helps predict whether a solute will dissolve in a solvent or not. A substance will dissolve in a solvent with similar polarity. In other words, polar solvents dissolve polar solutes, and nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes.
02

Determine the polarity of solvents

We need to analyze the polarity of each solvent to determine whether it is polar or nonpolar: - Acetone \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\mathrm{COCH}_{3}\right)\): It has a carbonyl group (C=O) and overall symmetry that makes it a polar molecule. - Methanol \(\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3}\mathrm{OH}\right)\): It has an alcohol group (OH) which is highly polar, making the entire molecule polar. - Toluene \(\left(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5}\mathrm{CH}_{3}\right)\): It has an aromatic ring paired with a nonpolar methyl group (CH3). Due to the presence of this nonpolar group, toluene is considered nonpolar. - Water (H2O): It has a bent molecular structure with two polar O-H bonds, making it a highly polar molecule.
03

Choose the best solvent for nonpolar solutes

From the analysis, we know that toluene is nonpolar while the other three solvents (acetone, methanol, and water) are polar. According to the "like dissolves like" principle, toluene will be the best solvent for nonpolar solutes.

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