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in solvent extraction method of separating glucose + water we add organic solvent (ccl4 or ether) which are non polar solvents but glucose is polar molecule but as per rule “LIKE DISSOLVES LIKE” why does glucose move towards organic solvent.

in solvent extraction method of separating glucose + water we add organic solvent (ccl4 or ether) which are non polar solvents but glucose is polar molecule but as per rule “LIKE DISSOLVES LIKE” why does glucose move towards organic solvent.

Grade:11

1 Answers

Arun
25750 Points
6 years ago
Dear Jay
 

Glucose has a lot of hydroxyls.

Polar organics like acetone or isopropanol or ethanol (or vodka) will dissolve it because you get hydrogen bonding that hold the molecules in solution.

Glucose is essentially insoluble in nonpolar organics like benzene or hexane because the opposing polarities of the solvents repels the molecules and does not allow for glucose dissolution.

Nonpolar solutes are attracted to nonpolar solvents by Van der Walls forces (proton of one molecule attracted to electron of another), but these are very weak forces compared to H bonding.

You can get pi-pi attraction with aromatic solvents and solutes, I believe. Look up pi stacking attraction.

Regards

Arun(askIITians forum expert)

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