Solvolysis is any reaction in which the solvent of a reaction is also a reagent. Sn2 reactions can be solvolysis reaction, depending on the solvent of course. Hydrolysis (reaction with water as a solvent) is a special type of solvolysis. The nucleophiles for elimination reactions are usually strong bases, while the nucleophiles for substitution reactions ususally are not. Solution Solvolysis is any reaction in which the solvent of a reaction is also a reagent. Sn2 reactions can be solvolysis reaction, depending on the solvent of course. Hydrolysis (reaction with water as a solvent) is a special type of solvolysis. The nucleophiles for elimination reactions are usually strong bases, while the nucleophiles for substitution reactions ususally are not..