× Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask a question
Top Posters
Since Sunday
a
5
k
5
c
5
B
5
l
5
C
4
s
4
a
4
t
4
i
4
r
4
r
4
Home Q & A Board Science-Related Homework Help Chemistry (Moderator: Laser_3)
New Topic  
fholguin25 fholguin25
wrote...
Posts: 11
Rep: 0 0
11 years ago
In my ochem textbook, it states that SN1 and E1 reactions undergo in protic solvents (because it stabilizes the carbocation).  

But there is also an example of an SN1 reaction undergoing in an aprotic solvent - DMSO.  I asked my professor why an SN1 reaction is undergoing in an aprotic solvent - he said because it is a good ionizing agent (creating the carbocation).

What's the relation between protic/aprotic and ionizing solvents?  (... free 10 points...)
Read 308 times
1 Reply

Related Topics

Replies
wrote...
#1
11 years ago
-Polar protic solvent has a hydrogen atom attached to a strongly electronegative element (e.g. oxygen) that forms hydrogen bonds. On the other hand, polar aprotic solvents are those solvents whose molecules do not have a hydrogen atom that's attached to an atom of an electronegative element.
-Polar protic solvent solvate cations and anions effectively while aprotic solvents do not solvate anions to any appreciable extend.
-Polar protic solvents are more suitable for SN1 reactions, while aprotic solvents are used for SN2 reactions
New Topic      
Quick Reply
Explore
Post your homework questions and get free online help from our incredible volunteers
  1009 People Browsing
Start New Topic Take the Tour CoursesNew Study Tools Topics Trending Browse by Textbook
Live Chat
Related Images
  
 340
  
 349
  
 129