Indicate whether each of the following solvents is protic or aprotic:


c. acetic acid


d. hexane

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the definition of protic and aprotic solvents: Protic solvents are those that have a hydrogen atom attached to an electronegative atom, such as oxygen or nitrogen, and can form hydrogen bonds. Aprotic solvents do not have such a hydrogen atom and cannot form hydrogen bonds.
2. Examine the structure of acetic acid: Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), which means it has a hydrogen atom attached to an electronegative oxygen atom, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds.
3. Determine the classification of acetic acid: Since acetic acid can form hydrogen bonds due to its hydroxyl group, it is classified as a protic solvent.
4. Examine the structure of hexane: Hexane (C₆H₁₄) is a hydrocarbon with no electronegative atoms like oxygen or nitrogen, and it lacks any hydrogen atoms that can participate in hydrogen bonding.
5. Determine the classification of hexane: Since hexane cannot form hydrogen bonds due to the absence of electronegative atoms and suitable hydrogen atoms, it is classified as an aprotic solvent.

Key Concepts

Protic Solvents

Protic solvents are those that have a hydrogen atom attached to an electronegative atom, typically oxygen or nitrogen. This allows them to form hydrogen bonds and donate protons (H+ ions) in chemical reactions. Common examples include water and alcohols. Understanding whether a solvent is protic is crucial for predicting its behavior in reactions, especially in acid-base chemistry.

Aprotic Solvents

Aprotic solvents lack hydrogen atoms that can participate in hydrogen bonding, meaning they do not donate protons. They can still dissolve ionic compounds and are often used in reactions where protic solvents would interfere. Examples include acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Recognizing aprotic solvents is important for understanding their role in nucleophilic substitutions and other organic reactions.

Solvent Properties and Reactivity

The properties of solvents significantly influence the reactivity and mechanism of organic reactions. Protic solvents can stabilize charged intermediates through solvation, while aprotic solvents can enhance nucleophilicity by not stabilizing anions as much. This distinction is vital for predicting reaction outcomes, especially in nucleophilic and electrophilic processes.