Polar aprotic solvents, like DMSO or acetone, help make nucleophilic substitution reactions (SN2) happen faster. They do this by supporting the positive ions (cations) without wrapping the nucleophile in a layer of solvent. This makes the nucleophile more active and ready to react.
On the other hand, polar protic solvents, like water or alcohols, work differently. They support both the nucleophiles and the groups that leave through hydrogen bonding. This can actually slow down the reaction.
So, picking the right solvent is really important! It can change how quickly these reactions happen.
Polar aprotic solvents, like DMSO or acetone, help make nucleophilic substitution reactions (SN2) happen faster. They do this by supporting the positive ions (cations) without wrapping the nucleophile in a layer of solvent. This makes the nucleophile more active and ready to react.
On the other hand, polar protic solvents, like water or alcohols, work differently. They support both the nucleophiles and the groups that leave through hydrogen bonding. This can actually slow down the reaction.
So, picking the right solvent is really important! It can change how quickly these reactions happen.