Question

Though covalent in nature, methanol is soluble in water, why?

• A. Methanol is transparent like water.
• B. Due to hydrogen bonding between methanol and water molecules.
• C. Due to van der Waals' forces between methanol and water.
• D. Due to covalent attraction forces.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Due to hydrogen bonding between methanol and water molecules.

When Methanol $C{H}_{3}OH$ is added to Water, the dominant intermolecular force acting between the molecules is $H-$Bonding. By the general rule of Like-Dissolves-Like, these two compounds will dissolve in each other as each is capable of $H-$Bonding. However, as the number of carbon atoms in the molecule increases, the dominant intermolecular force between the alcohol and water molecules becomes an LDF interaction.

So the correct option is $\left[B\right]$.