How would you predict which compound in each of the following pairs is more soluble in water? Why? a) #CH_3OCH_3# or #CH_3OH#? b) #Na_2CO_3# or #CO_2#?
1 Answer
Explanation:
Now methanol can engage in hydrogen bonding with water and with itself, but dimethyl ether, while polar, does not engage in hydrogen bonding with itself but does with water, and has more limited water solubility. Methanol is a water-like solvent, and is infinitely miscible in water.
As regards the solubility of sodium carbonate versus carbon dioxide, we can only assess data. Now carbon dioxide has a solubility of approx.
Note (again!) that we use