Answered

In which solvents or solutions will a steroid be soluble? Check all that apply.

A. [tex]CH_2Cl_2[/tex]
B. [tex]H_2O[/tex]
C. [tex]6\% \text{ aqueous KI solution}[/tex]
D. [tex]CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3[/tex]
E. None of the above



Answer :

To determine in which solvents a steroid will be soluble, we need to understand the nature of steroids as well as the properties of the given solvents.

Properties of Steroids:
Steroids are generally non-polar molecules due to their extensive hydrocarbon framework and lack of strongly polar functional groups.

Solubility Principle:
The principle "like dissolves like" is crucial here, meaning non-polar solutes (like steroids) are more likely to dissolve in non-polar solvents. Conversely, polar solutes dissolve in polar solvents.

Solvent Analysis:
1. [tex]$CH_2Cl_2$[/tex] (Dichloromethane):
- This solvent is relatively non-polar, though it has some degree of polarity due to the chlorine atoms.
- Steroids, being non-polar, would be soluble in [tex]$CH_2Cl_2$[/tex].

2. [tex]$H_2O$[/tex] (Water):
- Water is a highly polar solvent.
- Non-polar substances like steroids would not dissolve well in water.

3. 6% Aqueous KI Solution:
- This solution is essentially water-based and is polar due to both the water and the dissolved ionic KI.
- Non-polar steroids would not be soluble in a polar aqueous solution.

4. [tex]$CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3$[/tex] (Pentane):
- Pentane is a non-polar solvent comprised entirely of hydrocarbon chains.
- Non-polar steroids would be soluble in pentane.

Conclusion:
After evaluating the properties and compatibility between steroids and the solvents:

- Soluble:
- [tex]$CH_2Cl_2$[/tex] (Dichloromethane)
- [tex]$CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3$[/tex] (Pentane)

- Not Soluble:
- [tex]$H_2O$[/tex] (Water)
- 6% Aqueous KI Solution

Therefore, steroids will be soluble in [tex]$CH_2Cl_2$[/tex] and [tex]$CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3$[/tex].