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Ch.13 - Solutions & Their Properties
Chapter 13, Problem 41

Classify the strongest type of intermolecular force in the following interactions: solvent–solvent, solvent–solute, and solute–solute when solid glucose (C6H12O6) is placed in water. Based on these interactions, predict whether glucose is soluble in water.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the types of molecules involved: Glucose (C6H12O6) is a polar molecule with multiple hydroxyl (OH) groups, and water (H2O) is also a polar molecule with hydrogen bonding capabilities.
Determine the strongest intermolecular force for solvent-solvent interactions: Water molecules interact with each other primarily through hydrogen bonding, which is a strong type of dipole-dipole interaction.
Determine the strongest intermolecular force for solute-solute interactions: Glucose molecules can also form hydrogen bonds with each other due to the presence of hydroxyl groups.
Determine the strongest intermolecular force for solvent-solute interactions: When glucose is dissolved in water, hydrogen bonds can form between the hydroxyl groups of glucose and the water molecules.
Predict solubility: Since both glucose and water can form hydrogen bonds, the strong solvent-solute interactions suggest that glucose is likely to be soluble in water.

Key Concepts

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

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular forces are the forces of attraction or repulsion between neighboring particles (atoms, molecules, or ions). They are weaker than covalent or ionic bonds and include hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. Understanding these forces is crucial for predicting the behavior of substances in different states and their solubility in solvents.
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Hydrogen Bonding

Hydrogen bonding is a specific type of strong dipole-dipole interaction that occurs when hydrogen is covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. In the case of glucose and water, the hydroxyl (-OH) groups in glucose can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, significantly influencing its solubility in water.
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Solubility Principles

Solubility refers to the ability of a solute to dissolve in a solvent, which is influenced by the nature of the solute and solvent, as well as temperature and pressure. The principle 'like dissolves like' suggests that polar solutes, such as glucose, are more soluble in polar solvents like water due to favorable interactions, including hydrogen bonding and dipole interactions.
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