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]

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

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.

 

[LudusRex]

Non-polar solvation occurs when a non-polar solvent interacts with a non-polar solute, resulting in the dissolution of the solute in the solvent. This process is based on the principle of "like dissolves like," which states that substances with similar polarity will dissolve in each other.

In non-polar solvation, the non-polar solvent molecules surround the non-polar solute molecules, forming weak interactions such as van der Waals forces. These interactions are weaker than the bonds within the solute molecules, allowing the solute to break apart and become dispersed in the solvent.

The non-polar solvent molecules also help to stabilize the solute molecules by reducing their intermolecular forces. This allows the solute to remain dispersed in the solvent without recombining.

Overall, non-polar solvation is a process that allows non-polar substances to dissolve in non-polar solvents, resulting in a homogeneous mixture. This is important in various scientific fields, such as organic chemistry, where non-polar solvents are commonly used to dissolve non-polar compounds for reactions and extractions.