Why is LiCl more soluble in ethanol than NaCl?

The chosen answer highlights an important aspect of solubility, particularly the nature of solute-solvent interactions. Ethanol is a polar solvent, but it also has a significant non-polar character due to its hydrocarbon chain. This balance allows for the solubility of covalent compounds, as well as ionic compounds, but favors smaller, less charged ions that can more effectively interact with the ethanol molecules.

In the case of LiCl and NaCl, lithium ions (Li+) are smaller in size compared to sodium ions (Na+). This smaller ionic radius means that Li+ can fit more easily into the solvent's structure, allowing for more favorable interactions with ethanol. The stronger solvation that Li+ experiences from ethanol molecules enhances its overall solubility compared to Na+.

Moreover, while both LiCl and NaCl are ionic compounds, the specifics of the ionic interactions and lattice energy considerations matter. LiCl has a lower lattice energy than NaCl due to the smaller size of the lithium ion, which results in a weaker attraction between the ions in the solid state, making it easier for the compound to dissolve in ethanol.

Overall, the solubility of LiCl in ethanol compared to NaCl underscores the significance of ionic size and the