Solvation means that molecules of the solvent sort of surround the
molecule. The negative charge of the alkoxide ion is surrounded by
positively charged molecules or positively charged ends of molecules. The
do not covalently bond with one another, but they associate more. It is
harder for the alkoxide ion to move when it is surrounded by a bunch of
molecules that are kind of attached to it. It may help to think of it as
if the alkoxide ion is a prisoner. The solvent molecules are sort of
guarding it from reacting with other molecules. They swarm around it and
follow it wherever it goes because they are attracted to it by the charge.
Kristina
On Wed, 4 Dec 1996 michelks@plu.edu wrote:
>
> Hello,
> On p. 434 it mentions that tert butyl alcohol is less acidic
> because of solvation effects. I understand why it is less acidic which is
> expanded on later down the page but what do they mean by solvation?
> Kevin Michels
>
>