Chapter 8, Problem 1A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation :

The reason for water to be an important solvent needs to be explained and the properties making water an important solvent must be explained.

Concept Introduction :

Water can dissolve different types of compounds and water is called a universal solvent.

Answer to Problem 1A

Water can dissolve both ionic and covalent compounds that’s why water is an important solvent. High dielectric constant and hydrogen bonding capability make water an important solvent.

Explanation of Solution

Due to very high dielectric constant (78) water can ionize many ionic compounds in aqueous solution. The hydration enthalpy overcomes the lattice energy of the salt in most of the cases. This is the primary requirement for the solubility if the ionic compound in water. Water can reduce the electrostatic attraction between component ions many fold. That’s why water is considered as a good ionizing solvent. Many covalent compounds are nicely soluble in water due to formation of hydrogen bonds. For example, glucose, sucrose, etc are pure covalent compounds but these are highly soluble in water due to having many hydroxyl groups which can participate in hydrogen bonding with water.

Conclusion

Water is an important solvent as it can make soluble a wide range of compounds including ionic as well as covalent compounds.