Benzene, a component of petroleum, has the chemical formula C6H6. Its six carbon atoms form a ring. Since carbon-hydrogen bonds have no polarity, benzene is a nonpolar compound that effectively dissolves oils.
Answer: A variety of substances will dissolve oil, including gasoline and carbon tetrachloride -- both of which have non-polar molecules. Acetone is a special class of solvent called “dipolar aprotic” that, depending on the circumstances, can act as a weak acid or base; it dissolves oil and mixes with water as well.
Intermolecular forces. Water is a dipole and acts like a magnet, with the oxygen end having a negative charge and the hydrogen end having a positive charge. These charged ends can attract other water molecules.
