How does increasing the solvent polarity typically affect the energy profile of an reaction of a neu — Reaction Mechanism Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

In an $S_N1$ reaction, the transition state has partial charges and the intermediate has full ionic charges. A polar solvent strongly solvates and stabilizes these polar/charged species relative to the neutral reactant, thereby lowering the activation barrier ($E_a$) and accelerating the reaction.