Why are some solutes soluble in water, but others are soluble in cyclohexane?

Answer 1

The solubility of a solute in a solvent is determined by the intermolecular forces between the solute and the solvent molecules. Water is a polar solvent, meaning it has a positive and negative end. Polar solutes, which have a positive and negative end, are more likely to be soluble in water because the positive end of the solute molecule is attracted to the negative end of the water molecule and vice versa. Cyclohexane, on the other hand, is a non-polar solvent, meaning it does not have a positive or negative end. Non-polar solutes, which do not have a positive or negative end, are more likely to be soluble in cyclohexane because the molecules are attracted to each other due to their similar non-polar nature.