Which one is more soluble in diethyl ether : anhydrous `AlCl_(3)` or hydrated `AlCl_(3)` ? Explain in terms of bonding.

Explanation

Anhydrous `AlCl_(3)` in an electron-deficient compound whereas hydrated `AlCl_(3)` is not. Therefore, anhydrous `AlCl_(3)` is more soluble in diethyl ether as the oxygen atom of ether donates a pair of electron to the vacant p-orbitals on the `Al` atom in `AlCl_(3)` by means of a coordinate bond formation.

Hydrated `AlCl_(3)` is not an electron-deficient compound and exists as `[Al(H_(2) O)_(6)]^(3+) + 3Cl^(Ө)`. Thus, hydrated `AlCl_(3)` will not dissolve in diethyl ether.