Water is a polar solvent and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a nonpolar solvent. In which solvent is each of the following, which is found or used in the body, more likely to be soluble?d. cholesterol (lipid), nonpolar

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the polarity of the solute, which in this case is cholesterol. Cholesterol is a lipid and is nonpolar.
2. Recall the principle 'like dissolves like,' which means that polar solutes are more soluble in polar solvents, and nonpolar solutes are more soluble in nonpolar solvents.
3. Determine the polarity of the solvents given: water is a polar solvent, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a nonpolar solvent.
4. Apply the 'like dissolves like' principle to predict the solubility of cholesterol. Since cholesterol is nonpolar, it will be more soluble in a nonpolar solvent.
5. Conclude that cholesterol is more likely to be soluble in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), the nonpolar solvent.

Key Concepts

Polarity of Solvents

Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms joined by the bond. Polar solvents, like water, have a significant difference in electronegativity between their atoms, leading to a partial positive and negative charge. Nonpolar solvents, such as carbon tetrachloride, have an even distribution of charge, making them effective for dissolving nonpolar substances. Understanding polarity is crucial for predicting solubility.

Solubility Principles

The principle of 'like dissolves like' states that polar solvents dissolve polar solutes, while nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar solutes. This principle is essential for understanding how different substances interact in a solvent. Cholesterol, being a lipid, is nonpolar and thus more soluble in nonpolar solvents like carbon tetrachloride than in polar solvents like water.

Cholesterol and Lipids

Cholesterol is a type of lipid, which is characterized by its hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties. Lipids, including cholesterol, do not mix well with water due to their nonpolar nature. This characteristic influences their behavior in biological systems, where they often aggregate in nonpolar environments, making it important to consider the solvent's polarity when discussing their solubility.