Question

Though they are not necessary in every situation, we use solvents when performing reactions for many reasons. What function does a solvent serve in a reaction (list two)? What characteristics are important to consider when selecting a solvent (list two)?

Answer 1

Role of solvent in reaction:

1) Direct participation: Polar/non-polar nature along with the solvent being protic or non-protic is important because it determines what type of ions formed during the reaction will be stabilized in that particular solvent. Polar solvents will generally stabilize charged intermediates thereby enhance the rate of that reaction.

2)Indirect participation: They can also just act as a medium for dissolving the substrate and reagents thereby providing a medium in which the reaction is taking place but do not participate in the reaction themselves.

Characteristics to consider when selecting a solvent:

1)Polarity of the reagents involved: We need polar solvents for polar reagents and non-polar solvents for non-polar reagents. In general, like dissolves like must be kept in mind while selecting solvent.

2) Solvent must have a low boiling temperature so that it is easy to separate it from the products after reaction is complete.