Solubility
Solubility refers to the capacity of a substance, termed the solute, to dissolve completely and uniformly within a liquid solvent, creating a homogeneous solution. It fundamentally represents the extent to which a solute can disperse its molecules or ions throughout the solvent. Solubility is fundamentally measured by determining the maximum concentration of solute that can be dissolved in a particular solvent under defined conditions, typically a specific temperature. This concentration is usually expressed as grams of solute per 100 grams of solvent (g/100g), or as a percentage. Understanding solubility is crucial in many scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science, as it plays a vital role in processes like drug delivery, chemical reactions, and environmental remediation.
Solubility in Common Organic Solvents
| Solvent | Polarity | Common Uses |
| Water | Highly polar | Dissolving ionic and polar organics |
| Ethanol | Polar protic | Versatile for polar organics |
| Diethyl ether | Slightly polar | Extraction and reaction medium |
| Dichloromethane | Moderately polar | Organic synthesis and separations |
| Hexane | Nonpolar | Dissolving nonpolar compounds |
Applications in Organic Chemistry
- Reaction Design: Solvent choice affects reaction rate, yield, and selectivity.
- Purification: Solubility differences are exploited in recrystallization and extraction.
- Drug Development: Solubility influences bioavailability and formulation.
Environmental Considerations
Modern organic chemistry emphasizes green solvents like water, ethanol, and supercritical CO₂ to reduce environmental impact.