Which of the Following is TRUE of Hydrophobic Molecules

Question

Which of the following is TRUE of hydrophobic molecules?
A) They have limited solubility in water.
B) Water forms a cage-like structure around them.
C) Dissolving in water decreases the entropy of the mixture.
D) They self-associate by releasing some of the surrounding water molecules.
E) All of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the statements are true regarding hydrophobic molecules. They have limited solubility in water due to their non-polar nature, which leads to water forming a cage-like structure around them. This organization decreases the entropy of the system. Hydrophobic molecules tend to self-associate in water, which releases some of the structured water molecules back into the bulk water, increasing the system's entropy.