Which is more soluble in water: propionic acid or sodium propionate?
sodium propionate, since ion-dipole interaction between water & sodium propionate is stronger than hydrogen bonding of water & propionic acid
Sodium propionate (NaC3H5O2) is more soluble in water than propionic acid (C3H6O2). The solubility of a substance in water depends on its ability to interact with water molecules. In the case of propionic acid, it is a weak acid and tends to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. However, the presence of the hydrophobic propyl group in propionic acid reduces its solubility.
On the other hand, sodium propionate is a sodium salt of propionic acid. Salts typically have high water solubility due to the ion-dipole interactions between the charged ions (Na+ and C3H5O2-) and water molecules. The presence of charged ions enhances the solubility of sodium propionate in water compared to propionic acid.
To determine which compound has higher solubility in water, we can compare their properties and the nature of their molecular structures.
Propionic acid (CH3CH2COOH) is a carboxylic acid, while sodium propionate (CH3CH2COONa) is a salt. The solubility of a compound in water is influenced by its ability to form hydrogen bonds or other interactions with water molecules.
Propionic acid can form hydrogen bonds with water through its carboxylic acid group (COOH). These hydrogen bonds increase the solubility of propionic acid in water. Therefore, propionic acid is moderately soluble in water.
On the other hand, sodium propionate is a salt composed of sodium ions (Na+) and propionate ions (CH3CH2COO-). Ionic compounds like salts dissolve in water due to the attractive forces between the positively and negatively charged ions and the polar water molecules. Sodium propionate dissociates into its ions when dissolved in water. As a result, sodium propionate is highly soluble in water.
In summary, sodium propionate is more soluble in water compared to propionic acid.