Many important chemical reactions occur in solution. A reactant in solution is known as a solute. The medium in which it is dissolved is known as a solvent. A solute dissolved in water as solvent constitutes an aqueous solution. Water is a very important solvent. For instance, the life of all organisms, including human beings, is totally dependent on chemical reactions that take place in water. However, there are a variety of circumstances in which water cannot be used as a solvent. In those cases a non-aqueous solvent may be used. A non-aqueous solvent is any solvent other than water.
Any liquid other than water can act as a non-aqueous solvent. This encompasses a very wide range of substances.
Many important chemical reactions occur in solution. A reactant in solution is known as a solute. The medium in which it is dissolved is known as a solvent. A solute dissolved in water as solvent constitutes an aqueous solution. Water is a very important solvent. For instance, the life of all organisms, including human beings, is totally dependent on chemical reactions that take place in water. However, there are a variety of circumstances in which water cannot be used as a solvent. In those cases a non-aqueous solvent may be used. A non-aqueous solvent is any solvent other than water.
Any liquid other than water can act as a non-aqueous solvent. This encompasses a very wide range of substances.