Chemistry / Unit 10 Chem 1812 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Lewis Acid-Base Definition
Captions available
The idea
The Lewis definition names an acid as an electron-pair acceptor and a base as an electron-pair donor, covering reactions with no proton transfer.
In practice
Boron trifluoride accepts an electron pair from ammonia's nitrogen, BF3 + NH3 → F3B–NH3, with no proton moving.
Where people slip
A reaction with no proton in sight can still be acid-base chemistry under the Lewis definition alone.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Unlocks
- 1815Nested Domains of Generality Among the Three Theories
- 1928Complex Ion Formation and Formation Constant Kf
- 2308Boron's Electron Deficiency Drives Lewis Acidity
- 2381Coordination Compounds as Lewis Acid-Base Adducts
- 2460Alcohols: The Hydroxyl Functional Group
- 2469Carboxylic Acids and Esters from the Carbonyl
- 2472Amines: Weak Bases from a Nitrogen Lone Pair
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