Question:

Which of the following alcohols is least soluble in water?

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For alcohols with the same molecular formula, increased branching leads to higher solubility in water.
Updated On: Feb 18, 2026
  • Pentan-1-ol
  • 2-methylbutan-2-ol
  • Pentan-2-ol
  • 2,2-Dimethylpropan-1-ol
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the solubility trend of alcohols.
Solubility of alcohols in water decreases with increase in the length of the hydrocarbon chain due to the dominance of the hydrophobic alkyl group.
Step 2: Effect of branching.
Greater branching in alcohols increases solubility in water because it reduces the effective hydrophobic surface area.
Step 3: Analyze the given options.
Pentan-1-ol is a straight-chain alcohol with a longer hydrophobic part compared to the branched alcohols listed.
Hence, it shows the least solubility in water.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, pentan-1-ol is the least soluble in water among the given options.
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