In a nucleophilic substitution reaction, what is the role of the solvent?
Practice Questions
Q1
In a nucleophilic substitution reaction, what is the role of the solvent?
To stabilize the nucleophile
To stabilize the leaving group
To provide a medium for the reaction
To increase the reaction rate
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
In a nucleophilic substitution reaction, what is the role of the solvent?
Step 1: Understand that a nucleophilic substitution reaction involves a nucleophile attacking a substrate to replace a leaving group.
Step 2: Recognize that the solvent is the liquid in which the reaction takes place.
Step 3: Know that the solvent can help stabilize the reactants (the starting materials) and the transition state (the high-energy state during the reaction).
Step 4: Realize that by stabilizing these components, the solvent can make it easier for the reaction to occur, potentially increasing the reaction rate.
Step 5: Remember that different solvents can have different effects on the reaction, depending on their properties.
