In an experiment, two unknown compounds (one an alcohol and the other an ether) of equal molecular mass were dissolved in water. the result of the experiment is shown in the table.

solubility comparison
unknown compound solubility (g/100 ml water)
a 7.7
b 6.8

which of the following correctly explains the identity of compound b and its solubility?
it is an alcohol because the lack of hydrogen bonding between the oh− groups make it less soluble.
it is an ether because it is unable to form a hydrogen bond, so it is less soluble than the alcohol.
it is an ether because in the absence of a highly electronegative atom like o, f, or n, it lacks hydrogen bonding and is thus less soluble.
it is an alcohol because dispersion forces between the oh− group and organic chain makes it less soluble.