Chemistry · Alcohols: Identification of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols, mechanism of dehydration

Which of the following is most soluble in water?

Which of the following is most soluble in water?

  • A. \( C_{2} H_{5} O C_{2} H_{5} \)
  • B. \( C_{2} H_{5} O H \)
  • C. \( C_{2} H_{5} C O O C_{2} H_{5} \)
  • D. \( C_{6} H_{6} \)

Step-by-step solution

Ethanol (C2H5OH) forms strong hydrogen bonds with water due to its hydroxyl group, and its small ethyl group does not significantly disrupt water's structure, making it miscible with water. Diethyl ether (A) can only accept hydrogen bonds, ethyl acetate (C) has limited hydrogen bonding capability, and benzene (D) is nonpolar and insoluble.
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