CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Bonding · Bonding
Problem
Acetone, (CH₃)₂C=O, is a polar solvent in which the carbonyl oxygen bears a partial negative charge and the carbonyl carbon bears a partial positive charge. When Ca²⁺ ions dissolve in liquid acetone, which orientation of acetone molecules in the first solvation shell is most likely?
(a) The carbonyl carbon atoms point toward the Ca2+ ion because they are partially positive.
(b) The carbonyl oxygen atoms point toward the Ca2+ ion because they are partially negative.
(c) The methyl hydrogen atoms point toward the Ca2+ ion because they are the least electronegative part of the molecule.
(d) The acetone molecules remain randomly oriented because ion–dipole forces are negligible in acetone.