Name/s: Remiel N.

Alquileta
Jamica Romaine B. Ambion
Grp. No: 1
CYS: HUB22

Date Submitted: July 7, 2014

Date Performed: July 6, 2014

EXPERIMENT 1
SOLUBILITY OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Part I. Abstract
The solubility of organic compounds in a given solvents is the main focus for this experiment.
There are five different compounds that are used in different solvents (NaOH, NaOH3 and HCl) and are
tested for us to know their solubility. 2 3 drops of each 5mg compound were obtained and placed in a
test tube. If a compound is soluble, there should be a formation of a homogenous mixture or a change of
phase, an evolution of gas or heat and a change in color. Furthermore, the solubility of organic
compounds in these solvents is classified by looking at their general characteristics that are observed and
tested for this experiment.
Part II. Introduction
Solubility is a chemical property referring to the ability for a given substance, the solute, to
dissolve in a solvent. (1)
At the molecular level, solubility is controlled by intermolecular forces. However a simple,
empirical rule is very useful and more importantly, reliable. That simple rule is like dissolves like and it is
based on the polarity of the systems i.e. polar molecules dissolve in polar solvents (e.g. water, alcohols)
and non-polar molecules in non-polar solvents (e.g. the hydrocarbon hexane). This is why ionic
compounds like table salt (sodium chloride) or compounds like sugar, dissolve in water do not dissolve to
any great extent in most organic solvents. The polarity of organic molecules is determined by polar bonds
due to the presence of electronegative atoms (e.g. N, O) in polar functional groups such as amines (NH2) and alcohols (-OH). (2)
Most organic molecules are relatively non-polar and are usually soluble in organic solvents (e.g.
diethyl ether, dichloromethane, chloroform, petroleum ether, hexanes etc). However, some organic
molecules are more polar and soluble in water. This denotes a rather high ratio of polar group(s) to the
non-polar hydrocarbon chain, i.e., a low molecular weight compound containing an -OH, -NH2 or -CO2H
group, or a larger molecule containing several polar groups. The presence of an acidic CO2H or basic
NH2 group in a water-soluble compound can be detected by low or high pH, respectively, of the solution.
(2)
Compounds that are insoluble in water can become soluble in an aqueous environment if
they form an ionic species when treated with an acid or a base. This is because the ionic form is
much more polar. (2)
For this experiment, the researchers will test and observe the solubility of organic compounds
containing different functional groups in five solvents. Also, they will observe and determine the factors
that affect the solubility of organic compounds such as polarity and pH.
Part III. Methodology
In a test tube, approximately 2 3 drops or 5mg of compound 1 were used and 2mL of distilled
water was added to the mixture. If compound 1 dissolves completely or it is soluble in water then it is
classified as Group A. In classifying compound 1, general characteristics were observed (Refer to Table
1). On the other hand, if its insoluble, 1.5 mL of water were added to the mixture.

If compound 1 continues to be insoluble in water, a new sample of compound 1 added with 3 mL

of 5% NaOH were obtained in a new test tube. If it becomes soluble in NaOH, 3 mL of 5% NaHCO3 must
be added to determine its solubility. If compound 1 dissolves in both reagents, it is classified as Group
B1. On the other hand, if compound 1 dissolves in NaOH but not on NaHCO3 it is classified as Group B2.
If compound 1 is insoluble in 5% NaOH, a new sample added with 3% HCl is used in a new test
tube. If it is soluble in HCl, compound 1 is classified as Group C and if its not, compound 1 is classified as
Group D. For the solubility and classification of compounds 2, 3, 4 and 5, the researchers followed the
same procedures.
Part VII. References
(1) http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/s/solubility.htm
(2) http://www.chem.ucalgary.ca/courses/351/laboratory/351expt_01_solubility.pdf
(3)