… What does that fluoride cause to happen to the electrons of the phenyl ring?
I think a pH effect is being suggested. If not, then I erred in that assumption.
I want to suggest an alternate explanation to explain I think would be more soluble. I had experience in the past with trying to improve the water solubility of some analogs. The solution ended up being to incorporate a trifluoromethyl group. I was simply copying a literature report that these compounds improved water solubility. I simply took this as an empirical fact.
Since I have been thinking about molecular properties, I still think the more soluble compound is the fluoro-compound and here is why. I think fluorine is an effective hydrogen bond acceptor thus improving water solubility. Organic chemists know that iodine has more protons in its nucleus, its electrons are compacted into a smaller volume, it is more dense, it is a better leaving group, it is more electron withdrawing, and HI is a stronger acid. Fluorine has fewer protons, it is less dense, it is a poorer leaving group, it is less electron withdrawing, HF is a weaker acid, and its electrons can extend further from the nucleus. If I am paying attention, then fluorine can donate its electrons to water in forming hydrogen bonds, hence improve water solubility.
Now, I hope someone can tell us which acid is more soluble so someone can tell me I am all wrong.