Why is iodine slightly soluble in water while lactose is very soluble?

Iodine is slightly soluble in water due to its nonpolar molecular structure, which limits its interaction with polar water molecules. In contrast, lactose, a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose, has multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups that can form hydrogen bonds with water, making it highly soluble. The polar nature and hydrogen-bonding capability of lactose enhance its solubility compared to iodine.