Chapter 6, Problem 6.85P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The stability of the conjugate base of acetic acid, in the given solvent, is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

A protic solvent can solvate both cation and anion, but an aprotic solvent can solvate only cation and not anions. The protic solvent is a compound containing at least one hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom of oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine and capable of forming a hydrogen bond. The aprotic solvent is a compound which cannot form a hydrogen bond due to the lack of an hydrogen atom bonded to the electronegative atom of oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. The polar solvent molecule has a partial positive and partial negative charge. The negative ends of the solvent’s dipole solvate the cation strongly, and the positive end of the solvent’s dipole solvate the anion strongly.