Solubility of Non polar substances in water

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the solubility of non-polar substances, specifically O2 and CO2, in water. Participants explore the conditions under which these gases dissolve in water, the nature of their interactions with water, and the implications of these interactions in terms of chemical reactions versus simple dissolution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that water can dissolve non-polar substances like O2 and CO2, despite a common understanding that polarity is necessary for dissolution.
  • One participant notes that CO2 behaves differently because it can react with water to form carbonic acid, suggesting this complicates its classification as merely 'dissolving.'
  • Another participant proposes that the reaction of CO2 with water is reversible, which may justify considering it as dissolution, but acknowledges that definitions may vary among chemists.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of dissolution, with some participants suggesting that dissolution should not involve irreversible reactions, while others provide examples of substances that react in water but are still considered to 'disappear.'
  • One participant elaborates on the molecular structure of CO2, explaining its non-polarity due to its linear shape and opposing dipoles, and discusses how it coordinates with water molecules.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the dissolution of CO2 in water constitutes true dissolution or a chemical reaction. There is no consensus on the definitions or implications of these processes.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various definitions of dissolution and the conditions under which substances can be considered to dissolve versus react in water. The discussion highlights the complexity of these definitions and the potential for differing interpretations among disciplines.

Kaneki123
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Water can dissolve O2 and CO2, both of which are non-polar...According to my understanding, water can only dissolve molecules which have polarity in their structure( like salt or sugar)...Oxygen gas is non-polar due to same atoms...I am not sure about CO2 but I think it is non-polar due to equal attraction of electrons...So why can water dissolve these two substances?
 
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To some extent everything dissolves in everything.

CO2 is a bit different, as it not just dissolve.
 
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Borek said:
To some extent everything dissolves in everything.

CO2 is a bit different, as it not just dissolve.
This.

CO2 turns into carbonic acid in water
 
HAYAO said:
This.

CO2 turns into carbonic acid in water
Then it would not exactly be 'dissolving''...right??
 
Kaneki123 said:
Then it would not exactly be 'dissolving''...right??
well it is considered as dissolution.
 
The reaction of CO2 with water is reversible, so I suppose it's 'OK' to consider it as dissolution.
In most cases however I suspect there should be no irreversible formation of covalent bonds, at most coordination (water solvates the molecules, so they separate and macroscopically the added substance 'disappears'), to be able to call it 'dissolution'. I'm sure physical chemists have a better definition; this is a messy organic chemist's point of view :wink:

Examples of substances that will 'disappear' in water but are actually reacting (irreversibly, I think it's safe to say) rather than 'dissolving'.

K
NaH
AlCl3
SOCl2 (I guess some may even dissolve initially, but it won't hang around very long)
...
 
Kaneki123 said:
Water can dissolve O2 and CO2, both of which are non-polar...According to my understanding, water can only dissolve molecules which have polarity in their structure( like salt or sugar)...Oxygen gas is non-polar due to same atoms...I am not sure about CO2 but I think it is non-polar due to equal attraction of electrons...So why can water dissolve these two substances?
CO2 is nonpolar b/c it is a linear molecule with diametrically opposing dipoles at 180o bond angle. => O=C=O and Oxygen (O2) is a triplet (dipole = 0) :O=O: that coordinates with Hydrogen in water ( ---:O=O:---H-O-H---:O=O:---). see also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triplet_oxygen
 
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