Question

Select the correct order of solubility for the following gases in aqueous solution:

• A. $HCl>O_2>N{H}_3$
• B. $N{H}_3>HCl>O_2$
• C. $HCl>N{H}_3>O_2$
• D. $O_2>HCl>N{H}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $HCl>N{H}_3>O_2$

Higher the intermolecular interaction between the solute and the solvent, higher will be the solubility. HCl being a strong electrolyte has ion-dipole interactions with water. Ammonia forms H-bonds (dipole-dipole interactions) with water whereas in the case of $O_2$, it has dipole-induced dipole interaction. Hence, the order of solubility will be $HCl>N{H}_3>O_2$