When reactions occur in aqueous solutions, which of the following statements is correct?

• A. Water acts as a reactant in every aqueous reaction.
• B. All reactants remain in their molecular form.
• C. Ionic compounds often dissociate into their constituent ions.
• D. Covalent compounds always dissociate into ions.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of aqueous solutions: When ionic compounds dissolve in water, they often separate into their individual ions, a process called dissociation.
2. Recognize that water does not act as a reactant in every aqueous reaction; it often serves as a solvent, facilitating the interaction of dissolved species.
3. Note that not all reactants remain in their molecular form in aqueous solutions; ionic compounds typically dissociate, while many covalent compounds do not dissociate into ions.
4. Recall that covalent compounds generally do not dissociate into ions in water; instead, they may dissolve as intact molecules or react differently.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is that ionic compounds often dissociate into their constituent ions when dissolved in water.