Low-molecular-weight ketones are soluble in water. What is the shortest length of the carbon chain where insolubility becomes important?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Low-molecular-weight ketones are generally soluble in water due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds. However, as the carbon chain length increases, the hydrophobic nature of the carbon chain outweighs the hydrophilic nature of the carbonyl group. Typically, ketones with a carbon chain length of five or more become significantly less soluble in water.

Low-Molecular-Weight Ketones Are Soluble in Water