Question

What are Lewis acids and bases? Give two example for each.

Answer 1

I. Lewis acids: 

(i) Lewis acid is a species that accepts an electron pair. 

(ii) Lewis acid is a positive ion (or) an electron deficient molecule. 

(iii) Example, Fe²⁺ , CO₂ , BF₃ , SiF₄ etc… 

II. Lewis bases: 

(i) Lewis base is a species that donates an electron pair. 

(ii) Lewis base is an anion (or) neutral molecule with atleast one lone pair of electrons. 

(iii) Example, NH₃ , F^- , CH₂ = CH₂ CaO etc….