Is CCl4 or H2O a better solvent for a CH3(CH2)4CH3 solute?
H2O (water) is a better solvent for a CH3(CH2)4CH3 solute.
Water is a polar solvent, meaning it has a partially positive end (hydrogen) and a partially negative end (oxygen) due to the molecule's bent structure and high electronegativity of oxygen. The CH3(CH2)4CH3 solute, also known as butane, is a nonpolar molecule. Nonpolar molecules dissolve better in nonpolar solvents.
CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride), on the other hand, is a nonpolar solvent. While it can dissolve nonpolar solutes, it is not as effective as water.