Which statement best describes how the polarity of a solute affects its solubility in a solvent?

• A. Polar solutes dissolve better in nonpolar solvents because opposite polarities attract.
• B. Polarity of the solute has no effect on its solubility in any solvent.
• C. Nonpolar solutes dissolve best in polar solvents because they disrupt hydrogen bonding.
• D. Polar solutes tend to dissolve well in polar solvents due to similar intermolecular forces.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the principle of 'like dissolves like,' which means substances with similar polarity tend to be more soluble in each other.
2. Recognize that polar solutes have partial positive and negative charges, allowing them to interact strongly with polar solvents through dipole-dipole interactions and hydrogen bonding.
3. Note that nonpolar solutes lack significant charge separation, so they dissolve better in nonpolar solvents where dispersion forces dominate.
4. Evaluate each statement by comparing it to the 'like dissolves like' rule: polar solutes dissolve better in polar solvents, and nonpolar solutes dissolve better in nonpolar solvents.
5. Conclude that the correct description is that polar solutes tend to dissolve well in polar solvents due to similar intermolecular forces, which explains their mutual solubility.