What happens during non-polar solvation (if there is such a thing)?

BrainSalad

I've found plenty of information on polar solvents and how they work, so I understand that. But, according to like-dissolves-like, non-polar solvents dissolve non-polar solutes: how?

qalomel

So you mean why do non-polar solvents not dissolve polar solutes?

BrainSalad

Not really: I understand that.
I want to know why non-polar solvents DO dissolve non-polar solutes.

qalomel

Non-polar solvents do dissolve non-polar solutes because there are enough interactions between them. So on the molecular level, I think of it as solvent-solute 'bonds' forming until the solute molecules are completely surrounded by solvent molecules, pulling the solute into solution.