Question

Which of the following solvents can dissolve oil?

• A. $H_{2}O$
• B. $C{S}_2$
• C. ethanol
• D. butane

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (D)

The correct options are
B $C{S}_2$
D butane

To know which liquid dissolves which, we should know the polarity of both the liquids. If their polarity is same they dissolves otherwise they don’t.(Like dissolves Like) Here in the question Oil is given which is non polar liquid, so we need a non polar solvent to dissolve it. Out of options, $H_{2}O$ and Ethanol are polar liquids as they have high electronegative oxygen atom which gives polarity to the molecules. ​CS2 is non polar liquid as it linear shape , the dipole moment is zero because of symmetry .

Butane is non polar compound as it is hydrocarbon and carbon and hydrogen has same polarity.
So $C{S}_2$ and butane are the solvents to dissolve oil.