Question

Why are carboxylic acids more soluble in water than alcohols?

Answer 1

They are polar compounds and form very strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Carboxylic acids are more soluble in water than alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, and ketones of comparable molecular weight. They form hydrogen bonds with water molecules through both their C=O and OH groups.

Answer 2

Alcohols are soluble in water. This is due to the hydroxyl group in the alcohol which is able to form hydrogen bons with watermolecules. Alcohols with a smaller hydrocarbon chain are very soluble. As the length of the hydrocarbon chain increases, the solubility in water decreases.