Question

determine which compound for the group below will be the least soluble in water. give a reason for your answer. chlorocyclopentane cyclopentanol cyclopentane - 1,2 - diol all three compounds have identical solubilities in water. cyclopentanol will have the lowest solubility in water because it is the least polar of the three compounds. chlorocyclopentane will have the lowest solubility in water because it is the least polar of the three compounds. 1,2 - cyclopentandiol will have the lowest solubility in water because it is the least polar of the three compounds.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall solubility - polarity rule

Like - dissolves - like. Water is polar.

Step2: Analyze polarity of compounds

Chlorocyclopentane has a C - Cl bond, less polar than C - OH bonds.

Step3: Analyze other compounds

Cyclopentanol has one C - OH bond, cyclopentane - 1,2 - diol has two C - OH bonds. Hydroxyl groups can hydrogen - bond with water. Chlorocyclopentane has weaker interactions with water, so it is least soluble.

Answer:

C. Chlorocyclopentane will have the lowest solubility in water because it is the least polar of the three compounds.