Water molecules readily form hydrogen bonds with other polar molecules, and when they encounter nonpolar molecules they must form hydrogen-bonding networks with neighboring water molecules.Which of the following molecules will cause a "cage" of water to form?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

2-methylpropane is a nonpolar molecule. When water encounters nonpolar molecules, it forms hydrogen-bonding networks around them, creating a "cage" of water molecules. This is because water cannot form hydrogen bonds with nonpolar molecules and thus organizes itself in a way to minimize disruption to its hydrogen-bonding network.

Water Molecules Readily Form Hydrogen Bonds with Other Polar Molecules