Question

In solvents like $DMSO$, acetonitrile, $F^-$ ion of dissolved $NaF$ is more reactive than in methyl alcohol because

• A. $CH_3OH$ is more polar than $DMSO$ and $CH_3CN$
• B. $CH_3OH$ is less polar than $DMSO$ and $CH_3CN$
• C. unsolvated $F^-$ ion is $DMSO$ or $CH_3CN$ acts more efficiently as nucleophile
• D. $-OH$ group is a better leaving group than $F^-$ ion

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

In methyl alcohol, $F^-$ ion is solvated but in $DMSO$ or $CH_3CN$ (aprotic solvent) $F^-$ ion is not solvated. Unsolvated $F^-$ ion acts more efficiently as a nucleophile.