Can Molecular Compounds Dissolve in Water?

Molecular compounds dissolve in water by means of dipole-dipole attractions and hydrogen bond attractions. These attractions between the molecular compound and water don't form ions when a molecular compound dissolves.

Are molecular compounds soluble in water?

Solubility in water

Most molecular substances are insoluble (or only very sparingly soluble) in water. Those which do dissolve often react with the water, or else are capable of forming hydrogen bonds with the water.

Do ionic or molecular compounds dissolve in water?

Water typically dissolves many ionic compounds and polar molecules. Nonpolar molecules such as those found in grease or oil do not dissolve in water. We will first examine the process that occurs when an ionic compound such as table salt (sodium chloride) dissolves in water.