Dipole dipole forces are an important factor to consider in determining whether or not a substance will dissolve in water (a molecule which has a dipole). Which of the following compounds would you expect to be the least soluble in water?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

B, C, and D all contain polar covalent bonds with a significant dipole moment. This dipole causes these compounds to form dipole-dipole interactions with water molecules, making them soluble in water.

However, A is a long chain hydrocarbon and lacks any polar covalent bonds, and so does not have a dipole moment. Therefore, it cannot form dipole-dipole interactions with water molecules and is the least likely to be soluble in water.

Dipole Dipole Forces Are an Important Factor to Consider in Determining