Which solvent is described as not dissolving lipids?

• A. Isopropanol glycol
• B. Acetone
• C. Ether
• D. Chloroform

Answer: (A)

Lipids are nonpolar, so they dissolve best in nonpolar or relatively nonpolar solvents. Polar solvents tend to interact with water and other polar substances rather than with fats, so they’re poor at dissolving lipids.

Among common histology solvents, ether and chloroform are classic lipid solvents because their nonpolar character allows them to solubilize fats effectively. Acetone is more polar but can still dissolve lipids under certain conditions, so it isn’t as selective for lipids as the truly nonpolar options.

Isopropanol glycol (a polar solvent) is not effective at dissolving lipids, so it’s described as not dissolving lipids. That’s why it’s the best choice for this statement.