In what type of liquid is CO2 highly soluble?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is highly soluble in cold water-based liquids primarily due to the increased pressure and decreased temperature effect that enhances the solubility of gases in liquids. When water is colder, the kinetic energy of its molecules is lower, allowing them to better accommodate the CO2 molecules. In colder conditions, CO2 can dissolve more readily, leading to a higher concentration of dissolved gas.

This principle explains why carbonated beverages, which are typically stored at lower temperatures, maintain their fizz and do not lose carbonation quickly after being opened. In contrast, warm water has a reduced capacity to hold dissolved CO2, resulting in more rapid gas escape and loss of carbonation.

While CO2 can dissolve in alcoholic beverages, the solubility does not match that of cold water, as the presence of alcohol changes the dynamics of dissolution. Oil, being a non-polar liquid, does not interact well with CO2, leading to minimal solubility. Thus, cold water-based liquids are indeed the most effective medium for dissolving CO2.