Which of the following statements best explains the solubility of ethanol in octane? (A) Ethanol and octane are both non-polar - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 8 - 2015 - Paper 1

The correct answer is (C) Ethanol forms dispersion forces with octane.

Explanation:

Ethanol is a polar molecule due to its hydroxyl (-OH) group, which can form hydrogen bonds. However, since octane is a nonpolar molecule, the solubility of ethanol in octane is largely attributed to dispersion forces, which occur between nonpolar molecules. Although there may be some interaction, the dominant force in this particular scenario is the dispersion forces that ethanol can form with octane.