Among the following, the strongest nucleophile in a polar protic solvent is: — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Nucleophilicity increases down a group in polar protic solvents because larger atoms are less solvated and highly polarizable. Sulfur is larger and more polarizable than oxygen, making the mercaptide ion ($C_2H_5S^-$) a vastly stronger nucleophile than alkoxides or acetates.