Which factor contributes most to the dissolution of sugar (C12H22O11) in water?

• A. Precipitation of sugar crystals
• B. Hydrogen bonding between sugar and water molecules
• C. Covalent bonding between water molecules
• D. Formation of ionic bonds between sugar and water

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the nature of sugar (C12H22O11) and water molecules: Sugar is a molecular compound with many hydroxyl (-OH) groups, and water is a polar molecule capable of hydrogen bonding.
2. Recall that dissolution involves interactions between solute and solvent molecules. For sugar dissolving in water, consider what types of intermolecular forces can form between sugar molecules and water molecules.
3. Evaluate each option: Precipitation of sugar crystals is the opposite of dissolution, so it does not contribute to dissolving sugar.
4. Covalent bonding between water molecules is strong but occurs within water itself, not between sugar and water, so it does not directly help dissolve sugar.
5. Hydrogen bonding between sugar's hydroxyl groups and water molecules is the key interaction that allows sugar to dissolve, as these bonds help separate sugar molecules and disperse them in water.