What substance is classified as a universal solvent?

Water is classified as a universal solvent due to its unique chemical properties. It has the ability to dissolve a wide variety of substances, making it an essential medium for countless biological reactions and processes. This dissolving capability arises from the polar nature of water molecules, which facilitates interactions with other polar compounds and ionic substances, effectively breaking them down into their constituent parts.

In contrast, the other substances listed have more limited solvent capabilities. For example, alcohol can dissolve some organic substances and is useful in certain contexts, but it does not have the broad dissolving power of water. Vinegar, which is a diluted acetic acid, can dissolve some substances, particularly in culinary contexts, but its scope is also limited compared to water. Glycerin is a good solvent for specific applications, particularly with other viscous substances, but again, it does not match the universality of water as a solvent. Thus, water’s ability to dissolve a vast array of materials makes it the substances classified as a universal solvent.