Water and rubbing alcohol have distinct properties and will react differently with the same substance. Observe these properties of water and rubbing alcohol: color, smell, and ability to dissolve salt. Record your observations in the table. To observe the solubility of salt in the liquid, put one-quarter teaspoon of salt into each container and stir. You may weigh out 1.5 g of salt on the electronic balance if you don’t have a one-quarter teaspoon measure.