Question

Out of the following solvents which one is not a polar solvent?

• A. Ethanol
• B. Methanol
• C. Hexane
• D. Water

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine which of the given solvents is not a polar solvent, let's analyze the properties of each option based on their molecular structures and characteristics:

1. Ethanol:
   • Ethanol (\(C_2H_5OH\)) is an alcohol with a hydroxyl group (\(-OH\)) that has the ability to form hydrogen bonds.
   • This property makes ethanol a polar solvent because the electronegative oxygen atom in the hydroxyl group pulls the electron density, creating a partial negative charge on oxygen and a partial positive charge on hydrogen.
2. Methanol:
   • Methanol (\(CH_3OH\)) is also an alcohol and similar to ethanol, it has a hydroxyl group.
   • The \(-OH\) group results in a polar nature due to the strong electronegative character of oxygen, thus allowing hydrogen bonding.
3. Hexane:
   • Hexane (\(C_6H_{14}\)) is a hydrocarbon and is a linear alkane.
   • It consists only of nonpolar C-H bonds and lacks any electronegative atoms that would create a polar molecule.
   • Therefore, hexane is a non-polar solvent.
4. Water:
   • Water (\(H_2O\)) is a well-known polar solvent due to the bent shape of the molecule and the presence of polar O-H bonds.
   • The difference in electronegativity between hydrogen and oxygen leads to a dipole moment, making water polar.

After considering the above properties, the correct answer is Hexane as it is the only non-polar solvent among the options.