Which of the following are aprotic solvents:

Options

A. `DMSO`
B. `DMF`
C. `H_(2)O`
D. `CH_(3)COOH`

Answer

To determine which of the following are aprotic solvents, we first need to understand the characteristics of aprotic solvents. Aprotic solvents do not have hydrogen atoms attached to the most electronegative elements (like oxygen or nitrogen), which means they cannot form hydrogen bonds.

Let's analyze the given options step by step:

### Step 1: Identify the Solvents
We have the following solvents to consider:
1. DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)
2. DMF (Dimethyl Formamide)
3. H2O (Water)
4. CH3COOH (Acetic Acid)

### Step 2: Analyze DMSO
- **Structure**: DMSO has the structure CH3-S(=O)-CH3.
- **Electronegative Elements**: The most electronegative element here is oxygen.
- **Hydrogen Attachment**: There are no hydrogen atoms attached to the oxygen.
- **Conclusion**: DMSO is an aprotic solvent.

### Step 3: Analyze DMF
- **Structure**: DMF has the structure CH3-C(=O)-NH-CH3.
- **Electronegative Elements**: The electronegative elements are oxygen and nitrogen.
- **Hydrogen Attachment**: There are no hydrogen atoms attached to the oxygen or nitrogen.
- **Conclusion**: DMF is also an aprotic solvent.

### Step 4: Analyze H2O
- **Structure**: H2O has the structure H-O-H.
- **Electronegative Elements**: The most electronegative element is oxygen.
- **Hydrogen Attachment**: Oxygen is attached to two hydrogen atoms.
- **Conclusion**: H2O can form hydrogen bonds, so it is a protic solvent.

### Step 5: Analyze CH3COOH
- **Structure**: Acetic acid has the structure CH3-C(=O)-OH.
- **Electronegative Elements**: The most electronegative element is oxygen.
- **Hydrogen Attachment**: Oxygen is attached to one hydrogen atom.
- **Conclusion**: Acetic acid can also form hydrogen bonds, so it is a protic solvent.

### Final Conclusion
The aprotic solvents from the given options are:
- DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide)
- DMF (Dimethyl Formamide)

### Summary of Results
- **Aprotic Solvents**: DMSO, DMF
- **Protic Solvents**: H2O, CH3COOH