Here's why:

* Solubility Rules: Sodium chromate is an ionic compound, meaning it dissolves well in polar solvents. Water is a highly polar solvent, but butyl alcohol is less polar.

* Polarity and Interactions: Butyl alcohol has a longer hydrocarbon chain, making it less polar than water. Sodium chromate's ions will interact more favorably with the less polar butyl alcohol through weaker dipole-induced dipole interactions.

In summary: While water can dissolve some sodium chromate, butyl alcohol's weaker polarity allows for stronger interactions with the sodium and chromate ions, making it a better solvent for this particular compound.