Based on solute-solvent interactions, arrange the following in order of increasing solubility in n-octane and explain : Cyclohexane, `KCI, CH_3OH, CH_2CN` .

Explanation

(i) Cyclohexane and n-octane both are non-polar. Hence, they mix completely in all proportions. Like dissolves like. (ii) KCl is an ionic compound while n-octane is non-polar. Hence, KCl will not dissolve at all in n-octane. (iii) `CH_3OH` and `CH_3CN `both are polar but `CH_3CN` is less polar than `CH_3OH. CH_3CN` will dissolve more than `CH_3OH ` in n-octane.
Thus, the order of solubility will be `KCl lt CH_3OH lt CH_3CN lt ` Cyclohexane.