Question

Which of the following is most likely to dissolve in NH3? A) CO2 B) CH4 C) H2S D) BH3

Answer 1

Answer:

C) H2S

Explanation:

In chemistry, the dissolution of one substance in another is dependent on the magnitude of intermolecular interaction between the two substances.  Hence, if two substances do not interact in one way or the other, then one can not dissolve the other.

Let us consider the fact that NH3 is a polar molecule and it is a general principle that like dissolves like. Hence, only H2S which is also a polar molecule can effectively interact with  NH3 due to dipole-dipole interaction between the two molecules.

Also, ammonia reacts with hydrogen sulphide as follows;

2NH3 + H2S → (NH4)2S

Hence H2S is more likely to dissolve in NH3.