Solvents in Equilibrium Constants

[Samantha Low 3D]

May someone please clarify on why we don't put solvents in our equilibrium constant calculations? And how do we know if a reactant is a solvent or not?

[Bailey Giovanoli 1L]

What I took from the lectures is that the solvent will be on both the reactant and product side. Therefore, when you put it in the equilibrium constant, it will cancel because it would be present on both top and bottom. I also believe it will clarify that a reactant is a solvent if it is not H2O.

[Hannah Biju 1E]

Additionally, because there is so much solvent, although it will also be protonated, it will only be to a miniscule, insignificant amount compared to the large amount of solvent.

[Saja Kamal 2L]

Hi Samantha!

To answer your first question, we do not have to put solvents in equilibrium constant calculations because they would end up canceling out on both sides of the reaction anyway. This is because their effect or change is insignificant.