Table of Contents
How Will You Define Solvent in Chemistry?
Solvent – Definition: A solvent is a liquid that can dissolve another substance, called a solute. This means that the solvent can break the solute down into individual atoms or molecules. A solvent is also called a carrier fluid.
Solvent Chemistry
- The chemistry of solvents is determined by the intermolecular forces between the solvent molecules. The most important intermolecular forces in solvents are London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole attractions, and hydrogen bonding.
- London dispersion forces are the weakest of the three forces and are due to the fluctuations of the electron density in the molecules. These forces are responsible for the solubility of nonpolar molecules in nonpolar solvents and for the solubility of polar molecules in polar solvents.
- Dipole-dipole attractions are the result of the attraction between the positive and negative poles of two molecule dipoles. These forces are responsible for the solubility of polar molecules in polar solvents.
- Hydrogen bonding is the strongest of the three forces and is due to the interaction of a hydrogen atom attached to a nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine atom with an electron on another atom. These forces are responsible for the solubility of polar molecules in polar solvents and for the insolubility of nonpolar molecules in polar solvents.
Types of Solvents in Chemistry
There are many types of solvents in chemistry. Some common solvents include water, ethanol, and hexane. Solvents can be used to dissolve other molecules, to extract molecules from a sample, or to clean laboratory equipment.
Solvents and Solvent Effects in Organic Chemistry
Solvents are liquids that can dissolve other substances. In organic chemistry, the most common solvents are water and alcohols. The solvent can affect the reactivity of the molecules in the solution. For example, the solvent can affect the rate of a reaction, the ability of molecules to react with one another, and the ability of molecules to form products.
Uses of Solvent
Some common uses of solvents include:
- Removing paint or other finishes from a surface
- Dissolving adhesives or other substances
- Cleaning machinery or other objects
- Acting as a carrier for other substances
