Which part of the stearate ion is hydrophilic in nature?a)Tailb)Hydroc...
Hydrophilic nature of Stearate ion:
Stearate ion is a negatively charged ion and is derived from stearic acid. It has a long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxylate group (-COO-) at the end. The hydrocarbon chain is nonpolar and hydrophobic in nature, whereas the carboxylate group is polar and hydrophilic in nature.
The hydrophilic nature of the stearate ion is due to the carboxylate group, which is made up of a carbonyl group (-C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH), both of which are polar in nature. The carbonyl group is electron-withdrawing, which causes the oxygen atom to become slightly negative, and the carbon atom to become slightly positive. Similarly, the hydroxyl group is electron-donating, which causes the oxygen atom to become slightly negative, and the hydrogen atom to become slightly positive.
The polar nature of the carboxylate group makes it attracted to water molecules, and thus, hydrophilic in nature. This allows the stearate ion to dissolve in water and form a stable solution.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the head of the stearate ion, which is the carboxylate group, is hydrophilic in nature due to its polar nature.
Which part of the stearate ion is hydrophilic in nature?a)Tailb)Hydroc...
The end of the hydrocarbon chain is having a polar group (head) which is hydrophilic in nature and represented by a hollow circle.