Solvent Types and Examples

Protic Solvents

• Definition: Solvents that have a hydrogen atom bound to an electronegative atom, which can participate in hydrogen bonding. Protic solvents can donate a proton (H+) because they contain O-H or N-H bonds.

• Examples:

  • Water

  • Methanol (CH₃OH)

  • Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)

  • Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH)

  • Ammonia (NH₃)

Polar Aprotic Solvents

• Definition: Solvents that do not have protons (H+) available to donate but are polar and can stabilize ions through dipole interactions. They cannot participate in hydrogen bonding through O-H or N-H bonds.

• Examples:

  • Acetone (C₃H₆O)

  • Dimethylformamide (DMF) (C₂H₅N₃O)

  • Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) (C₂H₆OS)

  • Acetonitrile (CH₃CN)

  • Hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) (C₇H₁₈N₃O₃P)

Summary of Characteristics

• Protic Solvents:

  • Can form hydrogen bonds.

  • Support solvation of ions by donating protons.

• Polar Aprotic Solvents:

  • Cannot donate protons.

  • Stabilize ions through dipole interactions.