Explain
(a) why iodine $I_2$ is insoluble in water,
(b) but soluble in carbon tetrachloride and also
(c) in ethanol.
The alcoholic solution called tincture of iodine has been used to treat wounds.
- $ I_2$ is nonpolar, also $CCl_4$ is non-polar because symmetric, so they will mix together.
- $I_2$ is non-polar, $H_2O$ is polar, so there will be no dissolution.
- $I_2$ is non-polar, $CH_3CH_2OH$ has a non polar hydrocarbon chain that facilitates the dissolution despite the polar $OH$ group.
In diethyl ether, the $I \;+$ effect of the two ethyl groups strongly attenuates polarity.
