Learning Objective: To study which intermolecular forces and structural features affect the solubility of organic compounds in water.
Skill Level - Intermediate
Prerequisites:
Hydrophobicity
Chapter: Physical Properties
Sub-topic: Solubility in Water
Author's Note: Water is a universal solvent, a feature attributed to its ability to form Hydrogen bonds with a wide variety of compounds. Compounds unable to do so are said to be immiscible in water. This section briefly covers Hydrogen bonding and the structural features that affect the solubility of organic compounds in water so that you can better associate with the saying - like dissolves like.
Physical Properties - Solubility in Water
Water can dissolve a wide range of compounds while having a neutral composition, making it the most valuable resource on earth. This property is attributed to its ability to form hydrogen bonds. Adding new substances to water encourages water molecules to form new H-bonds with it, increasing its solubility. The higher the H-bonds with the compound, the higher its water solubility.

Solubility in water is due to heteroatoms like....
Nonpolar compounds of alkanes, benzene, alkenes, and ....
Solubility also decreases if the compound....
Ionic solids are water-soluble due to....
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