What do insoluble compounds refer to in terms of their interaction with water?

Insoluble compounds are defined as substances that do not dissolve in water, which means their interaction with water is minimal or non-existent. Choosing the option that identifies elements that are not water-soluble accurately describes this property. These compounds do not disperse into the water to form a homogeneous solution, maintaining their solid state even when mixed with water. This characteristic is essential in various applications, such as in understanding how certain pesticides behave in the environment or how nutrients are supplied to plants through water.

The other options do not capture the essence of insoluble compounds. For example, substances that dissolve readily describe soluble compounds, which is the opposite of what is being defined here. Similarly, compounds that react with water may not necessarily be insoluble—some may dissolve and react as they do so. Lastly, minerals that dissolve in soil pertain to soluble substances that interact with soil moisture rather than highlighting the properties of insoluble compounds specifically. Therefore, identifying insoluble compounds as elements that are not water-soluble effectively communicates their fundamental characteristic.