AbstractA linear solvation free energy relationship has been conducted to study the effects of solvent and solute properties on the free energy of solvation of inert gases and normal alkanes in different solvents. Factor analysis combined with target factor analysis was used to identify and quantify the factors controlling the variation of free energies of solvation, without the need to postulate any priori hypothetical method. Factor analysis of the solvation data revealed that there are two factors affecting the solubility of both types of gases in non‐polar as well as polar solvents. Target testing of the solvent parameters indicated that the Hildebrand solubility parameter of solvents is the major factor controlling the solubility of gases. Moreover, it was found that the coefficient of the Hildebrand solubility parameter in the linear solvation free energy equations has linear correlation with energy of vaporization and Lennard‐Jones force parameter of inert gases and number of carbon atoms and energy of vaporization of normal alka