Question

Ionic compounds are soluble in:
A. Water
B. Benzene
C. Ether
D. Alcohol

Answer 1

Hint:
The impact of intermolecular interactions on the solubility can be used to predict the solubility of a solute in different solvents.

Complete step by step solution
When it was established that matter has particulate nature, further experiments were carried out to know more about the characteristics of these particles and it was found that these particles are extremely small, have spaces between them, are continuously moving and are attracted towards each other. Based on these factors, we can understand and explain the nature and properties of a given substance.

Let’s talk about mixing a substance with another. Before mixing, there would be some characteristic attraction forces between their particles. If these forces remain intact, there would be no change in the nature or properties of the substances and they can be separated out from the mixture but what if particles of one substance are attracted towards that of another so strongly that they get separated from the same particles. We can say that there is change in their nature and properties so that it is impossible for us to separate the two substances now.

Dissolution is also a chemical change and would only occur if there is an interaction between the solute and solvent molecules. In ionic compounds, we have ionic bonds between the ions so they will be soluble only in those solvents where these ions can interact with the solvent molecules.

Polar solvents such as water have charge separation among their molecules which can interact with ions and dissolve them. However, molecules of organic solvents such as benzene, ether or alcohol cannot interact that strongly with ions so they will remain intact as solids and insoluble only.

Hence, the correct option is A.

Note:
There can be strong intermolecular interactions among the solvent molecules such as ether and alcohol due to the presence of oxygen atoms but they can’t overcome the ionic bonding which is stronger.