Question

Are these compounds soluble in organic solvents such as kerosene or petrol? Justify your answer.

Hint:

Remember: Ionic compounds dissolve in polar solvents, not in non-polar ones like petrol.

Answer 1

No, sodium chloride and calcium chloride are ionic compounds. Ionic compounds are soluble in polar solvents like water but insoluble in organic solvents like kerosene or petrol because organic solvents are non-polar.
- Sodium salts give a bright yellow colour to the flame test due to the excitation of sodium electrons.
- Calcium salts impart a brick red colour to the flame.
- Both compounds are ionic, so they dissolve well in polar solvents (like water) but not in non-polar organic solvents like kerosene or petrol.
Therefore, they are not soluble in kerosene or petrol.