Question

Classify the following species into Lewis acids and Lewis bases and show how these can act as Lewis acid I Lewis base? 

(a) OH^- ions

(b) F^- 

(c) H⁺ 

(d) BCl₃

Answer 1

(a) OH^- ions can donate an electron pair and act as Lewis base. 

(b) F^- ions can donate an electron pair and act as Lewis base. 

(c) H⁺ ions can accept an electron pair and act as Lewis base. 

(d) BCl₃ can accept an electron pair since Boron atom is electron deficient. It is a Lewis acid