Question
Question: Lower alcohols are more soluble in water than higher alcohols. 1\. True 2\. False...
Lower alcohols are more soluble in water than higher alcohols.
1. True
2. False
Solution
When molar mass will be large then the solubility will be less. Lower alcohols have less no. of hydrocarbon chains.
Complete Step By Step Solution:
The −OH group in alcohols is polar and forms hydrogen bonds with water which results in solubility of alcohols in water. Lower alcohols have less carbon atoms than that of higher alcohols. Higher alcohols have large no. of hydrocarbon chains which results in more steric hindrance to make bonds which result in less solubility. And also with increase of molar mass solubility decreases, which again results in favor of more solubility in case of lower alcohols. And when bulkiness or no. of hydrocarbon chains increases the steric hindrance increases and hence it becomes difficult for higher alcohols to make bonds or react with water. So the solubility of lower alcohols is higher than that of higher alcohols. So the given statement is true.
**So the 1st option is correct.
Note:**
Always keep in mind that higher the steric hindrance to react or to make bonds, lower will be its tendency to react. So solubility will be less if it is difficult to make bonds.