Chapter 16.12, Problem 16.12.2SR

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Among the given set of molecules or ions, the one which acts as Lewis acid but not as Bronsted acid has to be identified.

Concept Information:

Bronsted's definition is based on the chemical reaction that occur when both acids and bases are added with each other.  In Bronsted's theory acid donates proton, while base accepts proton from acid resulting in the formation of water.

According to Lewis theory, acid and base can be defined as follows.

Lewis Acid:

Lewis acid is a substance that can accept a pair of electrons

Example: $\text{BF}{\text{3}}_{}$

Lewis Base:

Lewis base is a substance that can donate a pair of electrons.

Example: ${\text{NH}}_{\text{3}}$