Alkyl halides are insoluble in watera)weak hydrogen bonds exist betwee...
The force of attraction between the alkyl halide and water is weaker and cannot overcome the force of attraction between alkyl halide and alkyl halide as also that of water and water molecules.
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Alkyl halides are insoluble in watera)weak hydrogen bonds exist betwee...
Understanding the Insolubility of Alkyl Halides in Water
Alkyl halides, or haloalkanes, are known for their limited solubility in water. The primary reason for this behavior lies in the interactions between the molecules involved. Let's explore this in detail.
Weak Intermolecular Forces
- Alkyl halides possess non-polar characteristics due to the asymmetrical distribution of electron density, especially when they have larger alkyl groups.
- Water, on the other hand, is a polar molecule that forms strong hydrogen bonds among its molecules.
Comparison of Attractive Forces
- The attractive forces between alkyl halide molecules are primarily Van der Waals forces, which are weaker compared to the hydrogen bonding in water.
- When alkyl halides attempt to dissolve in water, the force of attraction between water molecules is much stronger than the interactions between water and the alkyl halide.
Energy Considerations
- For a solution to form, energy is required to break the existing interactions between water molecules and alkyl halide molecules.
- Since the energy released from forming new interactions between the alkyl halide and water is insufficient to overcome the breaking of the strong hydrogen bonds in water, dissolution does not occur.
Conclusion
- Therefore, due to the weaker forces of attraction between alkyl halides and water compared to the strong attractions within water and between alkyl halides, alkyl halides are insoluble in water. This is succinctly captured in option 'B', which highlights the comparative strength of these interactions.