What is an example of a non-aqueous solvent?

A non-aqueous solvent is a solvent that does not contain water as a solvent component. In this context, liquid ammonia serves as a prime example of a non-aqueous solvent. It is used in various chemical reactions and applications due to its unique properties, such as its ability to dissolve certain salts and organic compounds that may not be soluble in water.

Liquid ammonia can act as a proton donor in some reactions, making it relevant in the study of acid-base chemistry and solvating certain ions in a way that water cannot. Its low dielectric constant and ability to participate in hydrogen bonding differentiate it from polar protic solvents like water, allowing for a specific range of chemical interactions.

The other choices include solvents that do contain water or are related to aqueous systems. Water is the definitive aqueous solvent, while alcohols are often considered polar protic solvents that can also contain some degree of water if they are not pure. Diethyl ether is an organic solvent but is acyclic and generally considered less polar than liquid ammonia, making liquid ammonia a more relevant choice for a non-aqueous solvent example.