Why do ionic compounds dissolve in polar solvents only?
Why do ionic compounds dissolve in polar solvents only? Your Answer: To dissolve a solute in a solvent, the sufficient solvent atoms, ions, or molecules, must surround the solute atom, ions, or molecules, bond and carry then off into solvent. For a bond to form, there must a source of attraction. Ionic compounds from positive and negative ions when dissolved. For a solvent molecule to bond with a negative ion or a positive ion, the solvent molecule must have a place on it that is positive and/or negative. That would mean the solvent is polar. So, ionic compounds need polar solvents to dissolve them. I am now retired from 23 years of teaching chemistry and physics and enjoy helping people understand math, chemistry, and physics. If you would like me to answer your questions in the future, request that I be one of your contacts. Then when you post a question, I will receive it via email. Otherwise I just search randomly for a question to answer.
