Introduction to
Non-Aqueous
Solvents
Presented By: Aleena Noor (02)
BS Semester V, Morning, ICS.
Key Concepts:
Characterizatio
n ofGeneral
inorganic
introduction of non-aqueous solvents:
compounds
• What are non-aqueous solvents?
• How do they differ from aqueous solvent?
• Why are they important to us?
Classification of solvents:
• Schematic diagram
• Explanation of first classification of solvents
Solvent? A substance that can dissolve other substances.
Aqueous Solvent: 𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙(𝑎𝑞)
Works cited
𝐻2 𝑂
Aqueous Solution
𝐻2 𝐶𝑂3 (𝑎𝑞)
𝐻2 O
𝑁𝑎𝐶𝑙(𝑠) 𝑁𝑎+ (𝑎𝑞) + 𝐶𝑙 − (𝑎𝑞)
➢ Qualities:
• High polarity and ability to form hydrogen bonds makes water an
excellent solvent for many inorganic and organic substances→
‘Universal Solvent’
• Easily available and non-poisonous
➢ Limitations:
• It cannot dissolve many organic substances.
• Narrow temperature range (0 to 100 degree Celsius)
• Some reactions cannot occur in aqueous solution and require some
other type of solution.
Non-Aqueous Solvents:
Solvents other than water are all termed as non-aqueous solvents
Non-aqueous solvents:
𝑁𝐻3(𝑙) , 𝑆𝑂2(𝑙) , Non-aqueous
𝐻𝐹(𝑙) , 𝐵𝑟𝐹3(𝑙) , 𝐻2 𝑆𝑂4 𝑙 , solutions
Importance: Some reaction can only occur in non-aqueous solutions:
Barium chloride can precipitate out only by reaction of Silver chloride in
Liquid Ammonia and not in Water.
AgCl +Ba(𝑁𝑂3 )2 BaCl2 ↓ + AgNO3
𝑁𝐻3(𝑙)
Classification of Solvents
Acidic
Protic Solvents Basic
1st Classification:
Proton
donating/accepting
ability
Non-Protic Solvents Amphoteric
Polar Solvents
2nd Classification:
Solvents Polar/ Non-polar
nature
Non-Polar Solvents
Aqueous solvents
3rd classification:
Aqueous/Non-
aqueous
Non-aqueous
solvents
1st Classification:
Based on proton-donating or accepting ability of the
solvent
(They always contain Hydrogen in their formula)
1. Protic/ Protonic Solvents:
These solvents either lose or gain protons or show both tendencies.
Further classification:
a). Acidic Solvents:
Protogenic→ Proton generating. These solvents lose protons readily
Examples: 𝐻𝐹, 𝐻2 𝑆𝑂4 , 𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻, HCN etc
HCN +𝐻2 𝑂 𝐶𝑁 − + 𝐻3 𝑂+ or HCN 𝐻+ + 𝐶𝑁 −
b). Basic Solvents:
Protophilic → Proton loving. These solvents accept proton
Examples: 𝑁𝐻3(𝑙) , N₂H₄(hydrazine), NH₂OH, amines etc.
NH3 + H+ → NH4+
c). Amphoteric Solvents:
Ampho means two/both.
These solvents show dual character, they can accept as well as donate proton,
depending on the nature of the reacting specie.
Examples: 𝑁𝐻3(𝑙) , 𝐻2 𝑂, R-OH, 𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻 etc.
These solvents auto-ionize:
Acid Base Base Acid
H2 O + H2 O OH − + H3 O+
NH3 + NH3 NH2- + NH4+
CH3COOH + CH3COOH CH3COO- + CH3COOH2+
2. Non-protic Solvents:
Also known as aprotic solvents.
These solvents neither gain nor lose protons.
Examples: Mostly organic, non-polar substances, C₆H₆, CHCl₃, CCl₄ etc
