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Multiple Choice
Which of the following solvents is NOT a polar protic solvent?
A
Acetone (CH_3COCH_3)
B
Water (H_2O)
C
Methanol (CH_3OH)
D
Ethanol (C_2H_5OH)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of a polar protic solvent: it is a solvent that has a hydrogen atom attached to an electronegative atom (like oxygen or nitrogen), allowing it to form hydrogen bonds and exhibit polarity.
Identify the key features of each solvent: Water (H_2O), Methanol (CH_3OH), and Ethanol (C_2H_5OH) all have O-H bonds, which means they can donate hydrogen bonds and are polar protic solvents.
Examine Acetone (CH_3COCH_3): it contains a carbonyl group (C=O) but lacks an O-H or N-H bond, so it cannot donate hydrogen bonds, making it polar but aprotic.
Compare the solvents based on their ability to hydrogen bond: since Acetone cannot donate hydrogen bonds, it is not a polar protic solvent, unlike the others listed.
Conclude that Acetone is the solvent that is NOT polar protic because it lacks the hydrogen attached to an electronegative atom necessary for hydrogen bonding.