Question

Because it will dissolve so many solvent, what substance is sometimes called the universal solvent?

Answer 1

`"..........water..........."`

Explanation:

Believe it or not most materials, molecular or ionic, express some water solubility. Because of its dipolar nature, i.e. `""^(delta+)H-stackrel(-delta)O-H^(delta+)`, water is a superb solvent for many ionic species; and also for polar molecules such as alcohols and hydrogen halides. The fact that water is LIGHT and very concentrated (i.e. `>55.5*mol*L^-1`) only lends to its utility. What else? Water is cheap ( a big consideration).

The downside of using water is that it is quite persistent. It is a big deal to dry an organic solvent, or an inorganic salt, and rid it of traces of water.