A chemist is comparing the ability of three molecular substances to dissolve in liquid water at 25 °C. The solutes are methyl alcohol (CH₃OH), propan-1-ol (CH₃CH₂CH₂OH), and propane (CH₃CH₂CH₃).
(a) Rank the three solutes from most soluble to least soluble in water.
(b) Describe, at the particulate level, the dominant intermolecular interactions that occur between each solute and water molecules.
(c) Explain how the balance between hydrogen-bonding capability and dispersion forces leads to the trend you identified in part (a).
(d) Draw a qualitative particulate diagram showing one molecule of each solute surrounded by water. Indicate the orientation of at least two nearby water molecules for each solute, labeling relevant partial charges or intermolecular attractions.