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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: lemonoman on October 04, 2005, 10:44:32 AM

Title: Hexane Solubility in Ethanol
Post by: lemonoman on October 04, 2005, 10:44:32 AM

I'm told by a friend of mine that hexane is soluble in ethanol, and she's looking for a reason why.

So my questions are:

1. Is hexane soluble in ethanol
2. If so, Why?

I have the CRAZIEST feeling that the two aren't miscible...after all, one is extremely polar and the other is extremely NON-polar.  Hexane and water don't mix...so it follows that hexane and ethanol shouldn't either.

As for question 2, there's very little in my mind that can rationalize that kind of behaviour.

Thanks  :poke:

Title: Re:Hexane Solubility in Ethanol
Post by: lemonoman on October 04, 2005, 01:41:43 PM

I've done some poking around, and apparently the two DO dissolve in each other.

Ethanol has the properties of both polar and non-polar substances and so it can dissolve in either water OR hexane...kinda like acetone, I guess.

 :headbonk:

Title: Re:Hexane Solubility in Ethanol
Post by: Mitch on October 04, 2005, 02:05:59 PM

I highly doubt the degree of miscibillity is high at all.