Solvolysis
What is Solvolysis?
Solvolysis is a chemical reaction in which a molecule reacts with the solvent in which it is dissolved, with the solvent acting as a nucleophile or base. When the solvent is water, the reaction is specifically called hydrolysis; when it is an alcohol, it is alcoholysis (e.g., methanolysis, ethanolysis). Solvolysis reactions are important in organic chemistry (e.g., the hydrolysis of esters, amides, and acid chlorides) and inorganic chemistry (hydrolysis of metal salts and halides).
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Solvolysis is a chemical reaction in which a molecule reacts with the solvent in which it is dissolved, with the solvent acting as a nucleophile or base. When the solvent is water, the reaction is specifically called hydrolysis; when it is an alcohol, it is alcoholysis (e.g., methanolysis, ethanolysis). Solvolysis reactions are important in organic chemistry (e.g., the hydrolysis of esters, amides, and acid chlorides) and inorganic chemistry (hydrolysis of metal salts and halides).