Question

how do you tell if a molecule is more hydrophilic than another

Answer 1

1. Look for terminal polar groups, such as NH3, OH, COOH, etc.
2. Look at chain length for hydrocarbons; the longer the chain, the less hydrophilic
3. Look for heteroatoms; anything other than C and H. Are there unbonded electrons? If so, then it will be somewhat hydrophilic.
4. Look at pKa values; not always an indicator.