Araniador, Glaicyl Dame Ann B.

2016

Date Performed: January 25,

Bronzal, Lucile A.

Date Submitted: January 29, 2016

Mameloco, Neri May G.

EXPERIMENT NO. 1
SOLUBILITY BEHAVIOR OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
I.

INTRODUCTION

The solubility behavior of an organic compound is one of the most important factors in
performing reaction synthesis in molecules. Identifying its behavior is not only essential in
performing those reactions but also in recognizing whether a certain solute is soluble on a
particular solvent. Organic compounds structures are related to their solubility. Solubility is
scientifically defined as the ability of one substance to dissolve within another substance. The
simple rule in determining the solubility of a substance to another is like dissolves like and it
is based on the polarity of the systems. Polar molecules dissolve in polar solvents and non
polar molecules dissolve in non polar solvents.
The objectives of the experiment are to relate the solubility of organic compound to its
structure and to classify the organic compounds as water soluble (S1), ether soluble (S2),
strong acid (A1), weak acid (A2), base (B), neutral (N), miscellaneous neutral (M) and inert (I).
The following are the organic compounds use in the experiment:
Acetone is a colorless flammable organic solvent that dissolves in water. It has a molecular
formula of C3H6O. It is naturally produced by plants and tress but sometimes it is also a
breakdown product of animal metabolism. Acetone is known to be toxic in high doses
(Pubchem, 2016).
Aniline is a colorless oily liquid that is miscible with alcohol, benzene, acetone and most
organic solvents. It is also capable of being mixed with acids to produce combustible salts. Its
molecular formula is C6H7N (Merck, 1983).
Benzyl Alcohol (C6H5CH2OH) is a clear, colorless liquid with a pleasant odor that melts at
15 C and boils at 205 C. It is known to have strong polarity and limited water solubility.
Generally, it is used as a solvent for inks, paints, epoxy resin coatings and for chemical
reaction process as well (ChemicalLand21, 2016).
Benzaldehyde (C7H6O), is a clear colorless to yellow liquid that is water insoluble. This
organic compound is known to be hazardous in the environment that easily penetrates soil
that results to water contamination in nearby waterways (Pubchem, 2016).
Benzoic Acid is an organic compound that appears in the form of a crystalline solid with a
chemical formula C7H6O2. Its natural source is gum benzoin which comes from certain tree
barks. Benzoic acid is serves an important role in the food industry, personal care industry
and in medicine as well (APChemistry, 2016).
Benzamide is an off-white solid that was derived from benzoic acid containing a chemical
formula of C6H5CONH2. It was identified to be slightly water soluble as well as in many organic
solvents (European Bioinformatics Institute, 2016).
Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is one among the many members of organic
compounds that are generally called alcohol. It has a chemical formula of C2H5OH. Its
importance is greatly acknowledged in industrial chemical for it is used as a solvent in
synthesizing other organic chemical. It is also water soluble (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2016).
Hexane (C6H14), is a one among the few isometric volatile liquid alkanes that are usually
found in petroleum (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2016).

Phenol is a poisonous crystalline acidic compound that has a chemical formula of C 6H5. It
contains Hydroxide molecules that are present in the tars of coal that are used as a
disinfectant (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2016).
Tert-butyl Chloride, at room temperature exists in the form of a colorless liquid organic
compound. It is water soluble and it has a chemical formula of C4H9Cl (Pubchem, 2016).
Toluene (C7H8) is a colorless flammable liquid that smells like benzene. It is soluble in
acetone, ether, benzene and chloroform but not in water. It is known to be a hazardous air
pollutant and toxic air contaminant (Scorecard, 2016).
Sucrose or most commonly known as table sugar is a disaccharide (combination of
glucose and fructose) with the molecular formula C12H22O11. It often appears as a fine,
colorless crystalline powder with sweet taste that is soluble in water. It is well known for its
role in human nutrition and is produced by plants (Science of Cooking, 2016).

II. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Compound

Structure

H 2O

Ethe
r

5%
NaOH

5%
NaHC
O3

5%
HCl

Conc.
H2SO4

Solubility
Classes

Acetone
S1

Aniline
-

Benzyl
Alcohol

Benzaldehy
de

Benzoic
acid

Benzamide

Ethyl
alcohol

S1

S1

Hexane

Phenol
Tert-butyl
chloride

A2

S2

Toluene
-

Sucrose
+

S1

Table 1.1 Solubility of Organic Compounds in Different Types of Solvents

The table above shows the solubility of organic compounds in different types of
solvents and the solubility classes where the organic compounds belong. Acetone, ethyl
alcohol, hexane and sucrose belong to solubility class S 1 or known as the water and ether
soluble compounds. Toluene, a compound that is insoluble in water, NaOH and HCl, but
soluble in H2SO4 is labeled as a neutral compound. Neutral compounds are known to be
hydrophobic which makes them insoluble in water but soluble in other organic solvents. Tertbutyl chloride is classified in the solubility class S 2 or the compound that is soluble in water
but not in ether. Aniline and benzamide are labeled as M where compounds that are insoluble
in water and NaOH, soluble in HCl and contain nitrogen or sulfur in its structure belong. Phenol
is classified in class A 2 for it is insoluble in water, soluble in NaOH and insoluble in NaHCO 3.
Inert compound (I) solubility class is where compounds that are insoluble in water, sulfuric
acid and HCl and without nitrogen or sulfur in its structure should be in. In this class includes
the compounds benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, and benzoic acid based on the result obtained.
However, based on the experiment conducted by the Biology students of UP Baguio
their results show that acetone, ethanol, benzyl alcohol, sucrose and phenol belong to
solubility class S1. While hexane, benzaldehyde and toluene fall to solubility class S 2. On the
other hand, benzamide and aniline are under the solubility class N and benzoic acid in
solubility class A1.
Comparing the data, it was found out that there are certain similarities with the results
obtained although there are some discrepancies due to personal and random errors that
cannot be avoided while conducting the experiment.

III. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Three kinds of information can be obtained about the organic compounds by testing
their solubility in water, 5% sodium hydroxide solution, 5% sodium bicarbonate solution, 5%
hydrochloric acid solution, and cold concentrated sulfuric acid. First, the presence of a
functional group is indicated by their structural formula. Second, solubility in a solvent leads
to more detailed information about the functional group. Lastly, water soluble compounds
undergo lesser number of tests compared to water insoluble compounds in order to determine
their solubility class.
Acetone, ethyl alcohol, hexane and sucrose belong to solubility class S 1 while tert-butyl
chloride is classified in the solubility class S 2. Aniline and benzamide are labeled as M; toluene
in class N and phenol in class A 2. Inert compound (I) solubility class is where benzyl alcohol,
benzaldehyde, and benzoic acid fall based on the result obtained.

Also, some of the reagents used are very hazardous in case of skin contact, eye
contact, ingestion and inhalation. Therefore, proper precautionary measures should be
observed when handling those hazardous reagents and should wear suitable protective
clothing.

IV. REFERENCES/ BIBLIOGRAPHY

2016, MSDSonline, Chemical Management, Retrieved at www.msdsonlinedatasheet.combon
January 27, 2016
December 6, 2012, Avelino K., Maramba C.N., Morante M., Pablico C.H., Solubility Behavior of
Organic Compounds, Retrrieved at www. opencourseware.kfupm.edu on January 27, 2016
n.d., AJM, Classifications of Organic
uo.babylon.edu.iq on January 27, 2016.
Chem 33.1 Laboratory Manual
Chem 33.1 Course Syllabus

compounds

by

Solubility,

Retrieved

at

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