is it possible for a substance to be both soluable in water and in ether?
The "like dissolves like" principle makes it seem impossible, but I'm not sure that i'm correct.

Question

is it possible for a substance to be both soluable in water and in ether?
The "like dissolves like" principle makes it seem impossible, but I'm not sure that i'm correct.

anonymous · Answer

I actually think that there are some organic substances that are partly soluble in water and ether.  I can't think of why right now though, but it may warrant some looking into.  :P

jfraser · Answer

acetone and ethanol are probably both soluble in the 2 smallest ethers, and they are both definitely soluble in water. The structure of acetone closely resembles dimethyl ether, and ethanol is basically half of a diethyl ether molecule