What Are the Common Solvents Used in Chemical Reactions and Why?

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Understanding the choice of solvents in chemical reactions is crucial, particularly in nucleophilic substitution reactions like SN1 and SN2. Polar protic solvents are preferred for SN1 reactions because they stabilize the carbocation intermediate and solvate the leaving group effectively, facilitating the reaction. In contrast, polar aprotic solvents are used for SN2 reactions as they solvate cations but do not solvate anions as effectively, allowing the nucleophile to remain reactive. DMSO and DMF are popular due to their ability to dissolve a wide range of polar and ionic compounds, enhancing reaction rates. Ether is favored for its relatively low reactivity and ability to solvate without interfering with nucleophiles. The discussion highlights the importance of solvent choice in influencing reaction mechanisms and outcomes.
jd12345
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I'm having trouble to understand which type of solvents are used in specific reactions

When do you use polar aprotic solvents, polar protic solvents etc? And what makes DMSO, DMF , ether popular solvents?
 
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There are entire chapters dealing with just these questions. You should be more specific.
 
Well my book didnt deal with a chapter specificly for solvents.
But okay i got some information from wikipedia - anyways main doubt: why do we use polar protic solvent forSN1 reaction and polar aprotic for SN2 reactions?
 
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A simple discussion regarding Sn1 solvent. http://www.organicchemistryreview.com/sn1.html
And for Sn2. http://web1.uct.usm.maine.edu/~Newton/Chy251_253/Lectures/Sn2Solvents/Sn2SolventsFS.html
 
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Okay thank you but one question-polar aprotic solvents also solvate the ions right? But not as good as protic solvent
 
Right.
 

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