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Is isobutyl oleate (a fatty ester) more soluble in heptane, diethyl ether, petroleum ether or water?
Accepted Answer
Isobutyl oleate, a fatty ester, would be most soluble in diethyl ether followed by heptane and petroleum ether. Water would be the least suitable solvent. This is because isobutyl oleate is a nonpolar molecule, while water is a polar molecule. The principle of 'like dissolves like' applies, meaning that nonpolar substances dissolve best in nonpolar solvents. Diethyl ether, heptane, and petroleum ether are all nonpolar solvents, while water is a polar solvent.
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