There is no list per se, but there is certainly a process to determine appropriate solvents for a given reaction. For the specific reaction you mention, here are some criteria you would consider to select a solvent:
- Because this is an oxidation reaction, choose a solvent that cannot be oxidized, known as an aprotic solvent.
- The solvent needs to dissolve the reagents in the reaction: hypochlorite and 4-tert-butylcyclohexanol. Hypochlorite is a polar molecule, and 4-tert-butylcyclohexanol is a little polar thanks to the alcohol group. The alcohol group will be oxidized to a ketone by the reaction, so the solvent should be able to dissolve that reasonably well. Conclusion: choose a moderately polar solvent.
So a polar aprotic solvent is needed for this reaction. There are two more considerations: cost and safety
Obviously, the cheapest solvent with the lowest potential for harm should be selected.
A list of some common polar aprotic solvents for consideration might include:
- tetrahydrofuran
- N,N-dimethylformamide
- acetonitrile
- dimethyl sulfoxide
- acetone
Tetrahydrofuran could be a reasonable choice, but it forms peroxides over time, which are quite explosive.
N,N-dimethylformamide has some health concerns: GHS07 and GHS08
Acetonitrile also falls into the GHS07 category: it causes cyanide to form in the body at high concentrations.
Dimethyl sulfoxide does not have health or safety concerns.
Acetone also falls into the GHS07 category: it can cause nausea and irritation at high exposure levels.
The health concerns of acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, and acetone are largely not going to pose a hazard for a laboratory experiment. All three of these can likely be found in any organic teaching lab.
Cost comparison, from Sigma Aldrich:
Acetonitrile: 2 L = $172.50
Dimethyl sulfoxide: 2 L = $208.50
Acetone: 2 L = $94.80
Therefore, choose acetone for this reaction!