Which would be the stronger nucleophile in a polar aprotic solvent?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying stronger nucleophiles in polar aprotic solvents, specifically comparing H2O and H2S, as well as (CH3)3P and (CH3)3N. The consensus is that H2S is the stronger nucleophile compared to H2O, and (CH3)3P outperforms (CH3)3N. This conclusion aligns with the principle that larger atoms, such as S, exhibit greater nucleophilicity in polar aprotic environments, contrary to the behavior observed in protic solvents where smaller atoms like F- are favored.

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Homework Statement


Which would be the stronger nucleophile in a polar aprotic solvent?
a) H2O or H2S
b) (CH3)3P or (CH3)3N

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm really confused because in my book, it says that in protic solvents, the larger atoms (I-) are stronger nucleophiles than smaller ones (F-). Then it says that it is opposite for when it is an aprotic solvent (e.g. F- is more nucleophilic than I-)
In this case, the answer to b) is H2S and c) is (CH3)3P, but shouldn't it be the opposite??
 
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The answers given for the question is correct and the concept given is wrong.consider protic solvent it consists of H+ ions since bonds between similar sized atoms is strong,the bond between smaller atoms will be stronger if F- is in polar protic solvent,it forms HF molecule which will be more stable than other halogen hydrides
 

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