Which statement describes the solubility of Cocaine HCl and Cocaine Base?

Which statement describes the solubility of Cocaine HCl and Cocaine Base?

• A. Cocaine Base is soluble; Cocaine HCl is Crack
• B. Cocaine Base is soluble; Cocaine HCl is Crack
• C. Cocaine HCl is soluble; Cocaine Base is Insoluble
• D. Cocaine HCl is Insoluble; Cocaine Base is Crack

Answer: (C)

Solubility hinges on whether the molecule is ionized in water. Cocaine HCl is a salt that dissociates into ions in water, making it readily soluble. Cocaine base is the non-ionized, nonpolar form, so it does not mix well with water and is considered insoluble; it dissolves better in nonpolar organic solvents. Crack is the freebase form and, like other bases, is not water-soluble. Therefore, the statement that Cocaine HCl is soluble and Cocaine Base is insoluble best describes their contrasting solubilities.

Solubility hinges on whether the molecule is ionized in water. Cocaine HCl is a salt that dissociates into ions in water, making it readily soluble. Cocaine base is the non-ionized, nonpolar form, so it does not mix well with water and is considered insoluble; it dissolves better in nonpolar organic solvents. Crack is the freebase form and, like other bases, is not water-soluble. Therefore, the statement that Cocaine HCl is soluble and Cocaine Base is insoluble best describes their contrasting solubilities.