How do solvents interact with catalysts and reactants?
Solvents can interact with catalysts and reactants through various mechanisms such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and dipole-dipole interactions. These interactions can modify the electronic environment around the catalyst, affect the solubility of reactants, and influence the formation of intermediates. The choice of solvent can thus have a significant impact on the catalytic cycle and the overall reaction mechanism.
