Question

which of the following molecules is least soluble in water?
a
b
c
d

Explanation:

• Water is a polar solvent. Solubility in water is generally higher for polar molecules as they can form hydrogen bonds or have dipole - dipole interactions with water.
• Option A: Acetone (\(CH_3COCH_3\)) is polar. The carbonyl group (\(C = O\)) creates a dipole, and it can interact with water through dipole - dipole interactions.
• Option B: Carbon tetrachloride (\(CCl_4\)) is non - polar. The four \(C - Cl\) bonds are symmetrically arranged (tetrahedral geometry), and the bond dipoles cancel each other out. Non - polar molecules have weak London dispersion forces and do not interact well with polar water molecules.
• Option C: Methanol (\(CH_3OH\)) is polar. The \(O - H\) group can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
• Option D: Dimethyl ether (\(CH_3OCH_3\)) is polar. The \(C - O - C\) structure has a dipole, and it can interact with water through dipole - dipole interactions.

Answer:

B. \(CCl_4\)