Factors Affecting Solubility

Roque, Jason R.
Rodrin, Lauro Niño M.
Samoranos, Karizza Mae P.
So, Bernard Allan M.

Bachelor of Science in Biology – Major in Human Biology

College of Science
De La Salle University – Dasmariñas
Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines

ABSTRACT

The experiment, factors affecting solubility, was demonstrated by using different solid and liquid
samples. The gram samples of KCl and NaCl was placed in an ignition tube with water. The
solution was shaken to determine the solubility of the samples. The same samples that is placed
in the ignition tube with water, was gently heated to 80oC using water bath. Again, the solution
was shaken to determine the solubility of the samples. The solubility of a gram/ml of each sample
of potassium nitrate, sodium chloride, coconut oil, toluene and copper sulfate was test by means
of water, isopropyl alcohol, and the 1:1 ratio of water and isopropyl alcohol as solvent. Also, the
effect of the polarity in the samples was noted. Lastly, a pinch of Iodine crystals was placed in a
test tube with water and was shaken to determine its solubility. Afterwards, potassium iodide was
added into the solution and the solubility was determined.

INTRODUCTION

Solubility is the property of a solid, liquid, or gaseous chemical substance called solute to
dissolve in a liquid solvent to form a homogeneous solution of the solute in the solvent. The
solubility of a substance fundamentally depends on the used solvent as well as on temperature
and pressure. The extent of the solubility of a substance in a specific solvent is measured as the
saturation concentration where adding more solute does not increase the concentration of the
solution. (1) The solvent is generally a liquid, which can be a pure substance or a mixture. (2) The
extent of solubility ranges widely, from infinitely soluble (fully miscible) to poorly soluble. (3)

The solubility of a solid in a liquid is most affected by temperature, nature of solute

particles, and nature of the solvent particles. In general, an increase in temperature increases the
solubility of a substance but there are some exceptions to this rule (4, 5) In case of gases, an
increase in temperature decreases the solubility of gases in liquids while increased pressure
increase their solubility. (6)

These are some of the factors that will affect the solubility: Temperature basically
increases the solubility for most of the solvents. The situation is though different for gases. With
increase of the temperature they became less soluble in each other and in water, but more
soluble in organic solvents. Next is the polarity. In most cases solutes dissolve in solvents that
have a similar polarity. Chemists use a popular aphorism to describe this feature of solutes and
solvents: "Like dissolves like". Nonpolar solutes do not dissolve in polar solvents and the other
way around. Pressure in solid, liquid and gas solutes may also affect the solubility. Also,
molecular size will affect its solubility. The larger the molecules of the solute are the larger is their
molecular weight and their size. It is more difficult for solvent molecules to surround bigger
molecules. If all of the above mentioned factors are excluded, a general rule can be found that
larger particles are generally less soluble. If the pressure and temperature are the same than out
of two solutes of the same polarity, the one with smaller particles is usually more soluble. The
stirring also increases the speed of solubility. Stirring does not have an effect on the solubility of a
substance. Stirring only increases the speed of the process - it increases move of the solvent
what supposes solute to fresh portions of it, thus enabling solubility. As molecules in liquid
substances are in constant move, the process would take place anyway, but it would take more
time.

MATERIALS / REAGENTS & EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

For the effect of temperature on solubility of a solid in water, we used 1 gram of KCL to
10mL water in an ignition tube. The solution shaken and the solubility were noted. Then the
solution was gently heated to 40oC and stirred to determine its solubility. Another gram of KCl
was added to the same mixture. Then the mixture was stirred to determine its solubility.
Afterwards, the mixture was heated to 80oC using a water bath. The mixture was shaken and the
solubility was noted.

For the effect of the polarity of the solute and solvent, each gram/mL samples of
potassium nitrate, sodium chloride, coconut oil, toluene and copper sulfate was added to the 1mL
water, 1mL isopropyl alcohol and the ratio 1:1 of water and isopropyl alcohol.

For the influence of another substance, a pinch of iodine crystal was place in 10mL water
and was shaken. Afterwards, we added potassium iodide on the solution of iodine in water.

DATA & RESULTS

A. Effect of temperature on solubility of a solid in water

SOLUBILITY IN WATER
SOLIDS At 40oC At room temperature At 80oC
Potassium Chloride ---- Soluble Soluble
Sodium Chloride ---- Soluble Insolube

B. Effect of the polarity of the solute and solvent

SOLVENTS
SOLUTE 1:1 (V/V) water :
Water Isopropyl AlcohoI isopropyl alcohol
Potassium nitrate Soluble Insoluble Insoluble
Sodium chloride Soluble Insoluble Insoluble
Toluene Immiscible Miscible Immiscible
Coconut Oil Immiscible Immiscible Immiscible
Copper sulfate Soluble Insoluble Insoluble

C. Influence of another substance

SOLUBILITY
Iodine in water Insoluble
Iodine in water and Kl Soluble
 According to the data shown above, the temperature greatly affects the solubility of the
substances in water, just like Sodium chloride has shown. Also, the polarity serves as great
influence on the solubility of the different samples shown above. It shows that if the solute and
solvent is the same in polarity the more it will results to a greater solubility. The more the polarity
is the same the more it will dissolve, but the more the polarity is NOT the same the more it will not
be soluble. The influence of other substances can also affect the solubility of a solution. As the
data is shown the iodine is insoluble in water, but as the potassium iodide was added the iodine
can be soluble now. This experiment shows the n the solubility of the substances, it can be affect
by many factors.

REFERENCE

(1) http://www.wikipedia.com/solubility. Retrieved: August 24, 2010

(2) Yuen C. 2003. Elements, Compound, and Mixture.

(3) Clugston M. & Fleming R. (2000). P.108

(4) Figueroa, L. V. and Samonte, J.L. 2007. Laboratory Manual for General Chemistry. 3rd Ed.
Manila: C & E Publishing, Inc.

(5) Chang, R. Chemistry. 6th ed. NY; WBC Mc Graw Hill, 1998

(6) Zayas, Clovia Isabel S. & Ramonesa, R. Ricardo. Laboratory Manual for General Chemistry.
Manila: DLSU Press, 1994