Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polarity
Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule. Polar molecules, which have a significant difference in electronegativity between their atoms, tend to dissolve well in water due to hydrogen bonding. In contrast, nonpolar molecules, like butane, do not interact favorably with water, making them less soluble.
Recommended video:
Molecular Polarity (Simplified) Concept 1
Hydrogen Bonding
Hydrogen bonding is a type of strong intermolecular attraction that occurs when a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen, interacts with another electronegative atom. This interaction significantly increases the solubility of compounds like 1-propanol in water, as it allows for effective interactions with water molecules.
Recommended video:
Hydrogenation Reactions Concept 1
Functional Groups
Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In the case of 1-propanol, the hydroxyl (-OH) functional group enhances its solubility in water, while butane, lacking such a group, remains largely hydrophobic and insoluble.
Recommended video:
Functional Group Priorities Concept 1