UPSC 2021: Water can dissolve more substances than any other liquid because

Water molecules are highly polar (dipolar); the partial positive charge on hydrogen and partial negative charge on oxygen allow them to surround and separate ions or polar molecules, enabling water to dissolve more substances than any other liquid. The other properties listed (thermal conductivity, high specific heat, being an oxide of hydrogen) do not account for this exceptional solvent ability ([usgs.gov](https://www.usgs.gov/index.php/special-topics/water-science-school/science/water-qa-why-water-universal-solvent?utm_source=openai)).