Fluorocarbons (compounds that contain both carbon and fluorine) were, until recently, used as refrigerants. The compounds listed in the following table are all gases at 25 °C, and their solubilities in water at 25 °C and 1 atm fluorocarbon pressure are given as mass percentages. (b) Which molecular property best predicts the solubility of these gases in water: molar mass, dipole moment, or ability to hydrogen-bond to water?
Fluorocarbon Solubility (mass %)
CF₄ 0.0015
CClF₃ 0.009
CCl₂F₂ 0.028
CHClF₂ 0.30

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Identify the molecular properties of each fluorocarbon: molar mass, dipole moment, and ability to hydrogen-bond to water.

Consider the solubility data provided for each fluorocarbon: CF4 (0.0015%), CClF3 (0.009%), CCl2F2 (0.028%), and CHClF2 (0.30%).

Analyze the trend in solubility with respect to each molecular property. For example, check if solubility increases with increasing molar mass, dipole moment, or hydrogen-bonding ability.

Evaluate the ability of each fluorocarbon to form hydrogen bonds with water. Note that hydrogen bonding typically involves hydrogen atoms bonded to electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine.

Determine which molecular property shows a consistent correlation with the solubility trend observed in the data, and conclude which property best predicts the solubility of these gases in water.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Solubility and Molecular Interactions

Solubility refers to the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, which is influenced by molecular interactions. Polar molecules tend to dissolve well in polar solvents like water due to dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding, while nonpolar molecules do not. Understanding how molecular structure affects these interactions is crucial for predicting solubility.

Dipole Moment

The dipole moment is a measure of the separation of positive and negative charges in a molecule, indicating its polarity. Molecules with a significant dipole moment are more likely to interact favorably with polar solvents like water, enhancing their solubility. Thus, the dipole moment is a key factor in determining how well a gas will dissolve in water.

Hydrogen Bonding

Hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like oxygen or fluorine) interacts with another electronegative atom. This type of bonding significantly increases the solubility of substances in water, as it allows for stronger interactions between the solute and solvent molecules. Compounds that can form hydrogen bonds with water are generally more soluble.

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Textbook Question

Carbon disulfide (CS₂) boils at 46.30 °C and has a density of 1.261 g/mL. (b) When 5.39 g of a nondissociating unknown is dissolved in 50.0 mL of CS₂, the solution boils at 47.08 °C. What is the molar mass of the unknown?

Textbook Question

Fluorocarbons (compounds that contain both carbon and fluorine) were, until recently, used as refrigerants. The compounds listed in the following table are all gases at 25 °C, and their solubilities in water at 25 °C and 1 atm fluorocarbon pressure are given as mass percentages. (c) Infants born with severe respiratory problems are sometimes given liquid ventilation: They breathe a liquid that can dissolve more oxygen than air can hold. One of these liquids is a fluorinated compound, CF₃(CF₂)₇Br. The solubility of oxygen in this liquid is 66 mL O₂ per 100 mL liquid. In contrast, air is 21% oxygen by volume. Calculate the moles of O₂ present in an infant’s lungs (volume: 15 mL) if the infant takes a full breath of air compared to taking a full “breath” of a saturated solution of O₂ in the fluorinated liquid. Assume a pressure of 1 atm in the lungs.

Textbook Question

At ordinary body temperature (37 °C), the solubility of N₂ in water at ordinary atmospheric pressure (1.0 atm) is 0.015 g/L. Air is approximately 78 mol % N₂. (b) At a depth of 100 ft in water, the external pressure is 4.0 atm. What is the solubility of N₂ from air in blood at this pressure?