Question

Which of the following alcohols is the LEAST soluble in water?



(1) CH3OH

(2) CH3CH2OH

(3) CH3(CH2)3OH

(4) (CH3)2CHCH2OH

Answer 1

(3) CH₃(CH₂)₃OH

Butanol (CH₃(CH₂)₃OH) is the least soluble in water. It has a higher number of carbons compared to methanol (CH3OH) and ethanol (CH₃CH₂OH). As a result, it forms more significant hydrophobic interaction. Similarly, the hydrophobic interaction of linear alcohols (butanol) is higher compared to branched alcohols (isobutanol, (CH₃)₂CH₂CH₂OH).